As with so many other traditional foods, the consumption of hong zao comes with a litany of purported benefits. Between various cultures, jujubes, as Chinese dates are also called, are used to treat stress, relieve constipation and aid in fertility. Combined with elevated levels of nutrients and antioxidants(an antioxidant is a substance which slows down the damage that can be caused to other substances by the effects of oxygen. Foods which contain antioxidants are thought to be very good for you) it is small surprise that the West has been touting the jujube as the next global “superfood.” 

 

Anybody who has spent an extended amount of time in China will tell you that the celebration of Chinese Lunar New Year(中国农历新年Zhōngguó nónglì xīnnián) is rife with tradition, symbolism(you can refer to the symbolism of an event or action when it seems to show something important about a situation) and family. There are fireworks to watch (and light), money to be gambled, and all manners of good eating to be consumed.

While I love the auspicious whole fish, the “gold bar” spring rolls and long life noodles, my actual favorites are the goodies that the host lays out before we get into the celebration proper.

There are nuts and seeds of all colors and shapes, there are jerkies made out of five-spiced beef and honeyed pork, and fruit in all forms scattered throughout the house. All are delicious and rich with symbolic history, but the most iconic of all traditional snacks and dried goods must be hong zao, or Chinese red date(中国红枣Zhōngguó hóngzǎo).

Soft and sweet, hong zao are usually deep red in color with wrinkled skins and yielding to the touch. They are the perfect foil to a cup of really good tea and for many, a requisite opener to the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration.