1. Introduction to Tay Ninh Candied Jujube
With a brilliant red color like a jewel and an attractive sweet and sour flavor, Tay Ninh candied jujube has become associated with the culinary identity of the holy land. This dish is originally made from jujube fruits that grow wild along fences, which, through the hands of local people, has become a famous specialty and an indispensable part of the culinary map of the Southeast region.
The appeal of Tay Ninh candied jujube lies in the delicate combination of the fruit's natural mild sourness and the gentle sweetness of sugar. When tasted, the sourness that tingles the tip of the tongue is followed by a gradually spreading subtle sweetness, bringing an unforgettable fresh sensation to diners. The jujube tree is only in season from June to August each year; during the season, the fruits ripen abundantly, hanging heavily from the branches. The people of Tay Ninh have creatively found a way to preserve them by simmering them with sugar, both preserving the flavor and turning them into a meaningful gift. With a common price range of 100,000 to 130,000 VND per kilogram, candied jujube becomes a specialty choice to bring back as gifts for friends and relatives, alongside the region's famous pomelo spring rolls.
Jambolan plum jam is a popular snack of the people of Tay Ninh. (Source: Compilation)
2. Main ingredients for Tay Ninh Jambolan plum jam
2.1. Jambolan plums
To create the characteristic flavor of Tay Ninh Jambolan plum jam, the main ingredient is fresh jambolan plums picked at the right time when ripe. This fruit has a sour taste mixed with a slight sweetness, bringing a refreshing feeling when enjoyed and containing high nutritional value.
In terms of health, jambolan plums are a great source of vitamin C, supporting immune system enhancement and helping the body better resist the effects of viruses and bacteria. In addition, this fruit also helps improve liver function, supports the treatment of cirrhosis very well, and at the same time, it also has the effects of cooling the body, nourishing the liver, and enriching the blood. In the land of Tay Ninh, jambolan plum trees are widely grown; when in season, the fruits are so abundant that they sometimes fall all over the ground, becoming an abundant source of raw material for the local traditional craft of making jambolan plum jam.
Besides its culinary value, jujube (chum ruot) is also good for health. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Jujube leaves (la chum ruot)
Besides the fruit, jujube leaves also contribute to its value in folk medicine thanks to their mild sourness and antiseptic properties. Jujube leaves were commonly used in ancient Vietnamese traditional medicine. Jujube leaves have many uses such as helping to clear phlegm, detoxify, and soothe the throat. According to modern research, extracts from the leaves also help stabilize blood pressure and protect liver function when detoxification is needed, especially in cases of high-dose Paracetamol use.
Java plum leaves have many health benefits in medicine. (Source: Compilation)
3. Tay Ninh Candied Java Plum Processing Process
The secret to getting delicious and fragrant Tay Ninh candied Java plum lies in each meticulous step, passed down through generations by the hands of artisans. Each step requires patience and skill from the processor. The first step is selecting and cleaning the ingredients. After harvesting, the Java plums are washed thoroughly under water, removing substandard fruits and stems. Although simple, this stage plays a very important role in the quality of the final product.
A special step in the process is placing the cleaned Java plums in the freezer overnight. This reduces the strong sourness of the fruit, making it softer, chewier, and easier to absorb sugar, enhancing the candied Java plum's deliciousness. The next morning, the Java plums are taken out to thaw naturally, then squeezed to remove excess water. Following this is the sugar-coating stage, which requires careful measurement of proportions to ensure a balanced sweet and sour taste, preserving the unique character of Tay Ninh candied Java plum .
The final stage is simmering the jam, which requires the most skill. The well-marinated Java plums are placed in a large pan and simmered over medium heat, stirring constantly by hand to prevent burning and ensure even sugar coating. To achieve a beautiful red color, makers often use natural food coloring or strawberry juice, ensuring a fresh and attractive hue. When the sugar syrup thickens, the jam achieves its characteristic gloss and aroma, ready to be enjoyed.
The processing of this type of jam is extremely strict and careful. (Source: Collected)
4. How to enjoy Tay Ninh cherry jam
Tay Ninh cherry jam can be enjoyed in many ways, suitable for different preferences and times of the day. The most popular way is to enjoy it with a cup of hot tea, sipping the tea while savoring the sweet and sour taste, which is very suitable for cozy gatherings or entertaining friends.
Sitting with a fragrant cup of tea, bringing a red piece of jam to your lips, letting the sweet and sour taste spread, combined with the aroma of tea creates a unique taste experience, ideal for quiet afternoons. Besides the traditional way of enjoying it, many young people nowadays like to eat cherry jam directly as a snack or spread it on bread, bringing a novel and attractive twist. The chewy pieces of jam, with a balanced sweet and sour taste, are very easy to eat and create a delightful feeling.
To keep the cherry jam fresh, it should be stored in a sealed glass jar, placed in a dry, cool place. With proper storage, the jam will retain its flavor and quality for a long time.
Jambul fruit preserve (Chum ruot) is usually enjoyed with a cup of tea. (Source: Collected)
Besides enjoying the rich Tay Ninh specialties such as Jambul fruit preserve (Chum ruot), Trang Bang banh canh, or the famous shrimp salt, visitors can also spend time exploring the meaningful spiritual journey through the famous landmarks of this land. From Ba Den Mountain (Nui Ba Den) tourist area, a sacred land known as the 'roof of the Southern region' with the modern Sun World Ba Den Mountain cable car system offering panoramic views for visitors, to the ancient Thien Lam Go Ken pagoda (Chua Thien Lam Go Ken), or the majestic Tay Ninh Holy See (Toa Thanh Cao Dai Tay Ninh), each destination possesses unique architectural features and profound cultural and spiritual values, contributing to the unique charm of this southern land of saints and sages.
Unique experiences at Ba Den Mountain tourist area. (Source: Collected)
Tay Ninh kumquat jam is not just a snack but also embodies the essence of Southern Vietnamese culinary culture. Each sweet and sour jam piece tells a story of love for the homeland and the skillful hands of the local people. Come to Tay Ninh to fully experience this unique flavor along with beautiful attractions!
