Harvesting Jujube Trees

Jujubes are ready for harvest when they have turned fully colored and firm. Depending on the variety, this is usually in late summer to early fall.

NOTE: This is part 8 in a series of 8 articles. For a complete background on how to grow jujube trees, we recommend starting from the beginning.

Look for Color Change: Observe the color change of the jujubes. Depending on the variety, they may turn from green to yellow, brown, or red when ripe. The skin should feel smooth and slightly shiny.

Check Firmness: Gently squeeze a few jujubes to check for firmness. Ripe jujubes should be firm but yield slightly to pressure. Avoid harvesting fruits that are still hard.

Inspect the Tree: Check the entire tree for ripe fruit. Jujubes may not all ripen at the same time, so multiple harvests might be necessary. Use pruning shears or scissors to cut the fruit from the tree.

Use a Harvesting Cloth: To minimize damage to the fruit and the tree, consider using a harvesting cloth or a soft container underneath the tree to catch the falling jujubes.

Harvest Gently: Handle the jujubes gently during harvest to prevent bruising. The fruit has a delicate skin, and rough handling may lead to blemishes.

Harvesting Mature Fruit: Harvest mature fruit first, leaving any underripe or green fruit on the tree for later harvests. This ensures that you get the best quality fruit during each picking.

Leave a Short Stem: When cutting the jujubes from the tree, leave a short stem attached to the fruit. This can help extend their shelf life and maintain freshness.

Inspect for Pest Damage: While harvesting, inspect the fruit for signs of pest damage or diseases. Discard any damaged or diseased jujubes to prevent the spread of issues.

Harvesting for Drying: If you plan to dry the jujubes, wait until they are fully ripe on the tree. Cut them with a bit of stem intact and allow them to air dry or use a dehydrator.

Store Properly: Store harvested jujubes in a cool, dry place. If you’re not consuming them immediately, refrigerate or freeze the fruit to extend its shelf life.

Enjoy Fresh or Processed: Once harvested, jujubes can be enjoyed fresh or processed into various products, such as jams, jellies, or dried snacks.

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