Farmers in Australia are planting large numbers of jujube trees, aiming to develop the fruit as a future health-focused product. Known as Chinese dates, jujubes have been grown in Asia for thousands of years, both as fresh and dried fruit, and are used in traditional medicine. A study found that jujubes contain antioxidants, fibre, magnesium, calcium, and high vitamin C content.
In South Australia's Renmark, Phuong Cao and her mother Thi Tran have been growing thousands of jujube trees for more than a decade after shifting from wine grapes. Cao described the fruit as "juicy, sweet, and crunchy" and noted it can be eaten fresh, dried, or steeped into tea.
Industry grower Ben Waddelow began working with jujubes after a school project and later helped introduce more than 40 varieties to Australia. He sees potential for value-added products such as jujube vinegar and foods widely used in Asia.
According to AgriFutures Australia, there are about 60 jujube growers in the country cultivating 50,000 trees, with companies like Seeka planning major expansions. Trevor Ranford, author of the Australia Jujube 2030 Strategic Blueprint, said the fruit could grow in varied climates and harsher conditions than many fruit trees, but the sector faces challenges such as fragmented organisation and low consumer awareness.
South Australian Jujube Growers' Association deputy chair Jody Miltenoff said a national body was needed to establish export markets and improve industry communication. While some growers already export to Hong Kong and Singapore, Miltenoff said coordinated efforts could open markets in Vietnam and South Korea.
Industry comparisons are being made with Australia's avocado sector, which has grown from niche production to a US$389 million industry. National production rose from 48,715 tonnes in 2013/2014 to 150,913 tonnes in 2023/2024. Riverland avocado grower Sarah Tucker-Boehm said her family's plantings in the 1980s were an "educated gamble" linked to growing consumer interest in health.
She believes marketing and education are key to building consumer demand and sees similar potential for jujubes due to their nutritional profile.
Source: ABC News
