The Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food hopes to develop opportunities for local farmers to grow jujubes, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

The fruit, also known as Chinese red dates, are already grown widely in Australia's eastern states with high demand in Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian and Singapore markets, according to the department.

"It is a medium size tree, growing between seven to ten metres high. The tree has shiny deciduous foliage and produces an olive sized fruit that is a drupe," the department said in a report.

"The chinese red date dries on the tree and unlike other dried fruits does not need sulphur preservatives for the drying process. Although the fruit is preferred fresh, dried product is popular in Chinese cooking.When picked, the dried product can last up to 12 months.

"Dried product can also be marketed to the Eastern States and overseas. Western Australia’s close proximity to South East Asia provides an opportunity to market product for the increasing demand, especially during festivals. Target markets include Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan."

Department representative Fucheng Shan told the ABC the fruit was drought resistant and tolerant to salinity.

"We found that because our production is counter-seasonal to China and also South-East Asia, our product can have a very good market in the future," he was quoted as saying.

Photo: www.chifond.com

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com