Homemade Jujube Paste: A Nourishing Elixir
Crafting Beneficial Jujube Paste for Allergy Relief
My husband suffers greatly from allergies, especially during spring and fall, often relying on medication. Last year around this time, my mother made him jujube tea, and he managed the season without any allergy medicine. Inspired by that memory, and seeing him struggle with headaches due to severe allergies alongside his demanding work schedule, I decided to make jujube paste. This rich, homemade remedy is perfect for supporting his well-being. Join me in creating this comforting and healthful treat!
Ingredients- 1 bag Dried Jujubes
- 3 bags’ worth of Water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To start this delightful jujube paste, we’ll begin with a thorough wash. Dissolve baking soda in plenty of water and add the dried jujubes. Rinse them repeatedly until they are sparkling clean. Patience here will pay off!
Step 2
Next, gently scrub between the jujubes’ wrinkles with a soft brush to remove any hidden dirt. A final rinse in a vinegar-water solution will ensure they are fresh and pristine.
Step 3
As I scrubbed, I couldn’t help but wonder if I should have used more jujubes. ‘Is this quantity enough?’ I thought. Looking back, if I had used a much larger batch, I might have ended up exhausted! (Haha)
Step 4
Once washed, it’s time to remove the stems and pits from the jujubes. My sweet daughter, Yul, wanted to help and diligently picked out the jujubes for me, her little hands working away. It was a heartwarming moment!
Step 5
After the meticulous process of pitting, the jujubes are carefully placed in a pot, ready for simmering. It feels like a moment of dedication.
Step 6
Add water, roughly three times the volume of the jujubes, and bring to a boil. This is where the hour-long simmering battle begins! Keep an eye on it, and add about half a cup of water if it reduces too much during cooking.
Step 7
I had a funny thought: ‘Wouldn’t it be efficient to make grape jam at the same time?’ Then I realized, ‘That’s just more work!’ and chuckled at my own silly idea.
Step 8
After simmering, the jujubes have transformed, becoming plump and tender. They look wonderfully soft and ready to be blended.
Step 9
Now, transfer the cooked jujubes to a blender. Since they are hot, it’s crucial to stop the blender occasionally to release steam. Blending very hot ingredients can be risky, so proceed with caution to avoid any accidents!
Step 10
Behold, the smoothly pureed jujube paste. Its rich, red color is truly appetizing.
Step 11
This is the second phase of patient work. Since we blended with the skins on, the paste might feel a bit gritty. To achieve a silky texture, we’ll strain it through a fine sieve to remove the skins. This step was the most physically demanding for me! (Oh, my wrists!) My poor jujubes, you’ve endured so much with me.
Step 12
Discard the skins left in the sieve and repeat the straining process until you achieve the desired smoothness. This is how we refine the paste.
Step 13
The quantity has reduced after straining, which is a little sad, but the resulting paste is smooth and glossy, looking much like a perfect jelly or pudding. The consistency seems just right.
Step 14
Finally, let the paste simmer over low heat for about another hour. Jujube paste can splatter, so maintaining low heat is essential to prevent burning and ensure it cooks evenly. This is the final, careful step.
Step 15
Prepare your glass jars by sterilizing them. (Refer to my previous grape jam recipe for detailed sterilization instructions.) This ensures the paste stays fresh.
Step 16
And there you have it – the completed, homemade jujube paste, made with love and care! Mixed with warm water, it’s a soothing drink for allergy relief and a great energy booster. You can also enjoy it by the spoonful; its thick, rich texture is delightful. Success!
