Hong Zao (You Ji Hong Zao) — Organic Chinese Red Dates (Whole Fruit), 1 lb
Hong Zao (红枣), also called Chinese Red Dates or Jujube, are a classic “food-as-herbal-support” fruit used in Chinese households and traditional herbal practice. They’re commonly added to soups, porridges, and warming teas for their naturally sweet, harmonizing character. In TCM herb language, Hong Zao is often discussed for supporting Qi and Blood and for helping formulas feel gentler and more balanced.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
- USDA Organic: Yes (as labeled)
- Single ingredient: Whole organic fruit (no additives)
- Best use: Tea, soups, congee, and formula support
- Transparency: Ask us for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) when available
Quick Facts On Hong Zao
- Common Names: Chinese Date, Chinese Red Date, Jujube, Hong Zao
- Botanical Name: Ziziphus jujuba (Fructus)
- Pin Yin: Hong Zao / You Ji Hong Zao / Da Zao (often used interchangeably in commerce)
- Form: Whole fruit
- Package Size: 1 lb
- Certified Organic: Yes
- Origin: China
- Brand: Nuherbs Organic (You Ji Hong Zao / Organic Jujube Red)
- Traditional Channels (commonly listed): Spleen, Stomach (often also Heart)
- Flavor: Naturally sweet, mild “date-like” fruit taste
Nuherbs lists “You Ji Hong Zao” as Organic Jujube (Red), Ziziphus jujuba fructus, 1 lb. Source
What Is Hong Zao?
Hong Zao are the ripe, red fruit of Ziziphus jujuba, commonly called jujube. In everyday use, they are a staple pantry ingredient in many Chinese kitchens. In herbal tradition, they’re known for their sweet, “harmonizing” nature and are frequently paired with other herbs in teas and decoctions.
Benefits of Hong Zao (Traditional & Modern Wellness Use)
Hong Zao is commonly used in wellness routines to help support:
- Digestive comfort and gentle nourishment (traditional Spleen/Stomach support)
- Balanced energy and everyday vitality (traditional Qi support)
- Rest and calm (traditionally “calms the Shen”)
- Overall nourishment (traditionally “nourishes Blood”)
- Cardiovascular wellness routines (general support)
Herbal tradition describes historical use patterns. Individual responses vary. If you have a health condition or take medications, consult your clinician.
Hong Zao vs Da Zao: What’s the Difference?
Here’s the clear answer: Hong Zao (“red jujube/red date”) and Da Zao (“jujube/Chinese date”) are often used to describe the same fruit in most herbal shops and product listings—especially when the fruit is the classic red, dried jujube used in soups and teas. Many brands list them together as synonyms (for example, “Da Zao (Hong Zao)”).
Why the names vary
- Language & context: “Hong Zao” is the common food/market name (“red date”), while “Da Zao” is the classic formula/herb name used in TCM materials.
- Processing: Some sellers distinguish by preparation (e.g., steamed/darker dates or different grades), but this is not consistent across the market.
- He Zao (black jujube): Sometimes you’ll see darker “black dates” listed separately (often called Hei Zao/He Zao), which can create confusion about what “Da Zao” means. An overview of naming and forms is discussed in traditional herb resources.
Practical takeaway: If your recipe or formula calls for “Da Zao,” your standard Hong Zao (whole red jujubes) is usually the right match for teas, soups, and daily kitchen use.
How to Use Hong Zao (Simple, Real-Life Methods)
1) Hong Zao Tea (Everyday Kitchen Method)
- Rinse 6–10 dates.
- Lightly crack or slice (helps infusion).
- Simmer in 4–6 cups of water for 15–30 minutes.
- Drink warm, or use as a base for other herbs.
2) Soup & Broth Method
Add 6–12 dates to soups, bone broth, or slow-cooker meals. They bring sweetness and a gentle “rounding” effect to flavor. Nuherbs also shares seasonal recipe ideas using Da Zao/Hong Zao.
3) Congee / Oatmeal / Rice Porridge
Add dates while cooking congee or oatmeal for a naturally sweet, nourishing breakfast. Tip: Remove pits before serving if needed.
Dosage
Because needs vary widely, use food-appropriate amounts for cooking and tea. For therapeutic-style dosing or formula use, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
How to Identify Quality Hong Zao
- Color & integrity: Dates should look uniformly red to reddish-brown, not gray, dusty, or moldy.
- Aroma: Mildly sweet, fruity smell—avoid musty or “basement” odors.
- Texture: Supple and chewy, not overly brittle or crumbling.
- Clean sourcing: Prefer clearly labeled origin and a supplier who can provide batch documentation (COA) when available.
Why COAs Matter
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) helps confirm identity and screens for quality concerns.
Cautions & Safety
- Do not use if pregnant or nursing unless directed by your clinician.
- Use caution in cases of damp-phlegm or food stagnation (traditional caution), as very sweet, cloying foods may worsen fullness in some individuals.
- California Prop 65: This product includes a Prop 65 notice (California-specific warning requirements).
If you have medical conditions or take medications, consult your healthcare professional before using herbs.
FAQ
Are Hong Zao and Da Zao the same?
Most of the time, yes—both names commonly refer to red jujube dates used in soups, teas, and formulas. Some sellers use the names differently based on processing or grade, so check the botanical name and description.
What do Hong Zao taste like?
Sweet, mild, and fruity—often compared to a gentle date/apple note.
Do I need to remove the pit?
Not for simmering, but it’s helpful to remove pits before eating the softened fruit.
How do I store Hong Zao?
Store sealed in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate if you live in a very humid climate.
Can I use Hong Zao every day?
Many people use them regularly as a food ingredient. If you’re using them as part of a targeted herbal routine, check with a qualified practitioner—especially if you have digestive fullness or “damp” patterns.
Why Choose 1st Chinese Herbs?
- Organic, single-ingredient Hong Zao (whole fruit)
- Transparent support: We help you choose and use herbs correctly
- Quality-first mindset: Ask us about COA documentation when available
- Practical education: Clear “how to use” instructions to reduce confusion and returns
Shop Hong Zao (Organic Chinese Red Dates)
Add Hong Zao to soups, teas, and daily recipes for a naturally sweet, traditional pantry staple. Questions about how to use them? Contact us—we’re happy to help.
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
Main Characteristics (Attributes) of Herbs
- Harvested at the proper level of maturity and correct time of the season to maximize potency.
- Free from Chlorine
- Manufactured without the use of sulphur
- Preservative Free
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results
- Aluminum Phosphate free
- Packaged in an airtight sealed bag
- Pin Yin Names and Botanical Names are listed on the bag
- Certificate of Analysis are available upon request
- Conforms to Standards of Chinese Pharmacopeia
- No dyes, colors, or bleaching of the herbs
- We are an authorized direct distributor of Plum Flower Herbs.
- 500 gram bag size which equal anywhere from 4 to 6 cups of herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as a supplementary aspect to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs ( Teas ) emphasize harmony, and balance.
References:
https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/hong-zao
• Chen J, et al. (2017). “A Review of Dietary Ziziphus jujuba Fruit (Jujube)…”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28680447/
• Lu Y, et al. (2021). “Research advances in bioactive components and health benefits of jujube…”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34128368/
• Zhu D, et al. (2024). “A Literature Review of the Pharmacological Effects of Jujube”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38261033/ (If PubMed redirects, use the PMC page: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10814260/)
POLYSACCHARIDES / BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS (supports “naturally occurring compounds,” quality/chemistry sections)
• Ji X, et al. (2017). “Isolation, structures and bioactivities of the polysaccharides from jujube fruit… (review)”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28274443/
DIGESTION + GUT MICROBIOTA (supports “digestive comfort / gut microbiota” *as research explored*)
• Han X, et al. (2022). “In vitro digestion and fecal fermentation behaviors of polysaccharide from Ziziphus jujuba… and impacts on gut microbiota”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36461244/
• Li Z, et al. (2023). “Fingerprinting Evaluation and Gut Microbiota Regulation of polysaccharides from jujube fruits…”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37108402/
• Jiao L, et al. (2026 eCollection). “Regulatory effects of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) polysaccharides on gut microbiota…”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41481208/
CARDIOVASCULAR WELLNESS (preclinical—keep wording as “supports cardiovascular wellness routines / research has explored…”)
• Mohebbati R, et al. (2018). “Protective effects of long-term administration of Ziziphus jujuba… in L-NAME–induced hypertension (rats)”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29632845/
FATIGUE / VITALITY (preclinical model—avoid disease language on-page)
• Chi A, et al. (2015). “Immunomodulating and antioxidant effects of polysaccharide conjugates from the fruits of Ziziphus jujuba… (rats)”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25817658/
SLEEP / CALMING NOTE (IMPORTANT: strongest human sleep study is on JUJUBE SEED, not fruit)
• Mahmoudi R, et al. (2020). “Investigation the effect of jujube seed capsule on sleep quality… (double-blind randomized clinical trial)”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33854934/
