Exquisite Dried Jujube: Perfect Cleaning and Utilization Tips
Preparing for Chuseok! Learn the Perfect Way to Clean Dried Jujubes and Discover the Amazing Benefits of Their Seeds
Chuseok, the grand Korean harvest festival, is just around the corner! Today, we’re introducing dried jujubes, a food that looks healthy and tastes even better. Dried jujubes are rich in Vitamin P, which helps prevent strokes, and have historically been used as a versatile medicinal ingredient in various dishes, much like a ubiquitous herb. This festive season, clean and utilize them with your own hands for a more bountiful and healthier celebration!
Ingredients for Cleaning and Using Dried Jujubes
- 1 handful of dried jujubes
- 1 Tbsp baking soda
- 1/2 lemon (juice)
- 1/2 tsp citric acid
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, arrange the dried jujubes nicely in a heat-resistant dish. Now, we’ll briefly microwave them for 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the flesh to burst! Setting the timer for just 20-30 seconds is key. This is the secret step! ^&^
Step 2
After being gently heated in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, you’ll notice something fascinating: the shriveled wrinkles on the surface of the dried jujubes will expand and smooth out! It’s like magic. This process makes it easier to remove dirt and impurities from the jujube’s surface.
Step 3
Now it’s time for a thorough cleaning. Prepare a lukewarm water bath (around 50°C or 122°F) by dissolving 1 tablespoon of baking soda and the juice of half a lemon. Briefly soak the dried jujubes in this solution to help soften any surface contaminants.
Step 4
Using a soft toothbrush, gently scrub between the wrinkles of the softened dried jujubes. Be gentle, as scrubbing too hard might damage the jujubes! Afterward, rinse them thoroughly under running water at approximately 50°C (122°F). Water at this temperature is ideal for cleaning jujubes effectively.
Step 5
The cleanly washed dried jujubes now need to be dried. Use a clean, dry kitchen towel to meticulously wipe away all moisture from the surface of the jujubes. Ensuring they are well-dried is crucial to prevent mold and extend their shelf life for future use.
Step 6
With the moisture removed, it’s time to prepare the dried jujubes for cooking. Use a knife to carefully peel around the jujube, similar to how you’d peel a fruit. This technique makes it easier to separate the flesh from around the pit cleanly.
Step 7
After peeling, gently work your way around the pit to carefully remove it. Once the pit is out, flatten the jujube flesh, roll it up tightly, and then slice it very thinly into fine shreds. This creates beautiful ‘flower jujubes’. Store these in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for a long time.
Step 8
These meticulously prepared flower jujubes can be used in various dishes. They make a lovely garnish atop a cool bowl of Sujeonggwa (a traditional Korean cinnamon punch) or can be mixed into chewy Yakshik (sweet rice) for an added touch of sweetness. If you’d like to enjoy a rich jujube tea, combine equal parts of the prepared jujubes and sugar, add a suitable amount of water, and simmer until it becomes a delicious ‘jujube syrup’ (Daecheong). As the cooler weather approaches, savor a warm cup of invigorating jujube tea to boost your health. It’s the perfect season to prepare these in abundance!
