Golden thread Jujube: Sweetness from Cangzhou Tasting the Sweetness of Cangzhou: A Tribute to Golden-thread Jujube

As autumn arrives with crisp skies and golden light, it’s not just the season for scenic hikes and cozy gatherings—it’s the perfect time to savor one of China’s most iconic fruits: the golden-thread jujube. If you ask anyone about the signature specialty of Cangzhou, Hebei Province, this ruby-red gem is sure to top the list.

Golden-thread jujube, also known as Xihe red date, has earned national and international acclaim for its flavor, nutritional value, and cultural significance. But it’s more than just a snack. It’s a gateway to the soul of Cangzhou. Many of my friends first discovered the city after tasting the fruit, and once they arrived, they fell in love with its warmth and charm. Sometimes, all it takes is a bite of something sweet to spark a journey.

A Fruit Rooted in History

Cangzhou County was officially named the “Hometown of Golden thread Jujube” in 1996, and the fruit was awarded national geographic indication status in 2004. Its cultivation dates back over 3,000 years, with mentions in ancient texts like Erya, The Book of Songs, and Records of the Grand Historian. The fruit’s name comes from its signature trait when split open, it reveals shimmering strands of sugar that glisten in the sunlight like golden threads.

A Taste of Home and Health

I’ve always loved eating golden-thread jujube. Whether fresh and crisp or dried and honey-sweet, it’s a staple in my family’s kitchen. We usually enjoy it raw after rinsing in warm water, but we also indulge in jujube-based treats like sticky rice cakes, sliced jujube bars, and jujube flower pastries. My mother often makes jujube porridge with rice and sugar, and I’ve learned to cook versions with tremella, millet, barley, and mung beans. My cooking may be modest, but my parents always praise the flavor, and the love behind it.

Beyond its taste, golden-thread jujube is packed with nutrition. With a sugar content of around 70%, it’s rich in protein, fat, starch, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and multiple vitamins. It’s known to boost immunity, improve circulation, nourish the skin, and lower cholesterol. Ancient texts like Compendium of Materia Medica and Shennong’s Herbal Classic praise its benefits for the lungs, spleen, and overall vitality.Why Cangzhou Grows the Best

Cangzhou’s climate is ideal for jujube cultivation. Located in a warm temperate zone with semi-humid continental monsoon conditions, the region experiences spring droughts, summer rains, and dry autumns. Its loamy soil is slightly alkaline (pH 7.5–8.8), creating perfect conditions for high-quality fruit.

A Gift of Sweetness for Generations

I often buy golden thread jujube for my parents, whether fresh or in porridge, hoping to bring them health and joy. My father once said, “There’s a saying: ‘Three jujubes a day keeps aging away.’ It might be an exaggeration, but there’s truth in it.” I replied, “And don’t forget: ‘A handful of jujubes a day keeps your strength in play.’” These folk sayings reflect the fruit’s place in everyday wellness.

From Local Treasure to Global Trade

Even friends who aren’t from Cangzhou adore golden-thread jujube. We’ve toured landmarks like the Iron Lion, Haifeng ruins, and the ancient tribute jujube orchard in Juguan. We also visited Cuierzhuang Town in Cang County, home to China’s largest jujube trading market. The variety there is unmatched—red dates, honey dates, crispy dates, preserved dates, black dates, seedless dates, jujube tea, and jujube jam. It’s a vital source of income for local farmers.

Cuierzhuang attracts traders from Ningxia, Henan, Sichuan, Hubei, and Fujian, with exports reaching over 20 countries including the US and Southeast Asia. As of June 2024, Cangzhou’s jujube cultivation spans 1.44 million mu, with an annual output of 375 million jin and a value of 740 million yuan—making it China’s largest red date production base.

Sweetness That Stays With You

One friend from Beijing told me she often orders golden thread jujube online: “Every time I eat one, the sweetness takes me back home.” I know the feeling. I often eat 10 in a row, even when I promise myself just five. The flavor is irresistible. But I remind my family—moderation matters. Savor each bite slowly, and let the sweetness linger from your tongue to your heart.

A Fruit Fit for Emperors

Legend has it that Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty was so enchanted by the taste of golden-thread jujube that he declared it an imperial tribute and commissioned the “Dance of the Golden Thread.” Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty also praised its flavor during a hunting trip in Cangzhou. These stories show that the fruit’s reputation has endured for centuries.

More Than a Taste—A Feeling

To taste golden-thread jujube is to taste Cangzhou itself. Its sweetness is not just on the tongue. It’s in the warmth of the city, the pride of its people, and the joy of shared tradition. It’s a sweetness that stays with you, season after season.

About the Author

Lin Shaohai Member of the Beihai Writers Association. His essays have appeared in Beihai Daily, Xinmin Evening News, Guizhou Daily, Shenyang Daily, Kaifeng Daily, Chaozhou Daily, and other regional publications. He is a recipient of multiple literary awards.

Editor: Zhao Dianchao, Xu Tiezhong Proofreader: Shen Peigang Reviewer: Jiang Shan

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