Product Name: Taiwan Green Jujube 'Tainong No.11' (Snow Honey Jujube)
Description:
'Tainong No.11', also known as Snow Honey Jujube (雪蜜枣), is a premium Taiwan Green Jujube variety (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) that has gained significant commercial attention in recent years for its exceptional eating quality and economic value . It was introduced to Fujian's Zhangzhou region and has shown strong adaptability, contributing to the rapid development of the Taiwan Green Jujube industry in southern China.
A Jujube with a Snowy-Sweet Reputation:
The name "Snow Honey" captures the essence of this variety – its flesh is remarkably fine, crisp, and juicy, with a high juice content and a clean, sweet flavor profile. The fruit is prized for its thin skin and tender, delicate flesh, offering a refreshing eating experience that has made it popular in both domestic and export markets. The variety is categorized as a "variety jujube" (品種棗) in Taiwan's breeding system, which focuses on thin skin, fine flesh, high sweetness, low acidity, and high juice yield .
Appearance:
The fruit is round in shape with a light green skin when mature, presenting a clean and attractive appearance. The skin is notably thin, which contributes to the premium eating quality but also requires careful handling. The flesh is fine-textured, crisp, and juicy, with a high water content that delivers a satisfying "burst" when bitten.
Flavor & Sweetness:
'Tainong No.11' delivers an exceptionally sweet, refreshing flavor. The flesh is crisp and tender, with high juice content and low acidity, making it highly palatable for fresh consumption. The flavor profile is described as sweet and clean, without the astringency found in traditional small-fruited jujube varieties. The variety's thin skin contributes to a smooth, pleasant eating experience.
Key Commercial Advantages:
Premium Eating Quality – Fine flesh, high juice content, thin skin, and low acidity
"Snow Honey" Brand Appeal – Distinctive name that conveys sweetness and premium quality
Strong Economic Performance – High-value crop with strong market demand in Taiwan and export markets
Adaptable to Southern China – Performs well in Fujian (Zhangzhou), Guangdong, Yunnan, Guangxi, and Hainan
High Market Acceptance – Preferred by consumers for its crisp, sweet texture
Important Notes for Growers:
Thin Skin, Higher Cracking Risk: Compared to varieties like 'Tainong No.13', 'Tainong No.11' has a thinner skin and relatively poor resistance to fruit cracking . This requires careful water management during fruit development, especially in regions with uneven rainfall.
Fruit Shape: The fruit is round, with a slight depression or fold around the stem end (果蒂周围有褶皱) .
Comprehensive Evaluation: In a 2024 introduction trial in Zhangzhou, 'Tainong No.11' ranked third out of five varieties in a comprehensive evaluation using principal component analysis, behind 'Qinglong' and 'Tainong No.13' .
Growing Regions: Successfully introduced to Zhangzhou, Fujian, and suitable for cultivation in Guangdong, Yunnan, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces . Also successfully trialed in greenhouse cultivation in Liaoning (Chaoyang) , demonstrating adaptability to northern protected production .
Harvest Season:
As a Taiwan Green Jujube variety, 'Tainong No.11' typically ripens in the winter to early spring months, depending on the production region. In southern China, harvest generally occurs from December through March. The fruit is harvested when the skin is light green and glossy, indicating peak crispness and sweetness.