Description
The ‘Li’ Jujube is widely considered the “Gold Standard” of jujubes. If the ‘Contorted’ variety is the artistic sculpture of the family, ‘Li’ is the high-performing workhorse. It is the most popular variety in the U.S. for a simple reason: it produces some of the largest, best-tasting fruit with the least amount of fuss.
Growth Habit: Elegant & Upright
Unlike the “zig-zag” structure of the ‘Contorted’ variety, the ‘Li’ grows in a more traditional upright, rounded shape.
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Appearance: It features beautiful, weeping branches and glossy, wax-like leaves that shimmer in the wind.
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Flowers: In late spring, it produces tiny, yellow flowers that are surprisingly fragrant—many gardeners claim they smell exactly like grape soda or honey.
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Compactness: While it can reach 15–20 feet, it is easily pruned to a smaller size, making it a great fit for backyard orchards.
The Fruit: The Gourmet Pick
The fruit of the ‘Li’ is the primary reason people plant it.
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Size & Shape: It produces large, plump, mahogany-colored fruits that are roughly the size of a small egg (about 1.5 to 2 inches).
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The “Apple” Phase: When the fruit is yellow-green with brown spots, it is incredibly crisp, juicy, and sweet, with a flavor very similar to a high-quality Gala apple.
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The “Date” Phase: If left to ripen fully into a deep reddish-brown and wrinkle, the moisture leaves and the sugars concentrate into a chewy, caramel-like snack.
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