Walnut-Stuffed Jujube

The red date stuffed with walnut (核桃枣, He Tao Zao) is a traditional Chinese confection: a dried and stoned jujube (red date), filled with a whole walnut half. The soft, sweet flesh of the fruit wraps the crunch of the nut — a contrast the tradition is fond of, to the point of making it a classic of the grocery shops and of Chinese festive tables.

Eaten as it comes, as a snack, or to accompany tea — its most common pairing.

An everyday confection in northern China, the walnut-stuffed date traditionally accompanies the afternoon tea.

The jujube (Warm nature, sweet flavour) and the walnut kernel come together here in the treat-loving tradition of winter fruits, offered at festivals and on family visits.

• A snack: as it is, 2 to 3 fruits
• With tea: it goes naturally with teas and infusions
• Sweet soups (Tang Shui): cut in half in the traditional sweet soups

Contains tree nuts (walnut). Naturally sweet: to be adjusted for those watching how much sugar they take.