Korean Sour Jujube Seed | Suan Zao Ren · Sanjoin | 5.25 oz
Korean sour jujube seed (Suan Zao Ren, 산조인) is the dried seed of the sour jujube, Zizyphus jujuba Mill., grown in Korea and traditionally simmered into a mild, caffeine-free herbal tea.
What is Korean sour jujube seed?
Known as sanjoin (산조인) in Korea and Suan Zao Ren (酸棗仁) in traditional Chinese herbalism, these are the small, flat seeds found inside the tart fruit of the sour jujube. Each 5.25 oz (150 g) pack contains whole dried seeds — nothing added.
The brewed tea is gentle and nutty with a faintly tart edge, and pairs naturally with chamomile, lavender, or dried jujube dates.
Origin & authenticity
These seeds are a Product of Korea, harvested from the sour jujube — the small, tart cousin of the familiar sweet jujube date. Kosbee stocks them in our New Jersey warehouse and ships across the United States, so the same sanjoin found in Korean herb markets arrives at your door in days, not weeks.
Key facts
- Origin
- Product of Korea
- Botanical name
- Zizyphus jujuba Mill. (sour jujube)
- Names
- Sanjoin (산조인) · Suan Zao Ren (酸棗仁) · sour jujube seed
- Net weight
- 5.25 oz (150 g)
- Form
- Whole dried seeds
- Caffeine
- None
- Storage
- Cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
How to use
How do you brew sour jujube seed tea?
Lightly crush 8–10 g of seeds (about one heaping tablespoon) to help them release their flavor. Simmer in 1 L (about 4 cups) of water over low heat for 30–40 minutes, then strain. Adjust the amount to taste — the flavor stays mild either way.
In tea blends and broths
A spoonful goes easily into evening tea blends with chamomile or dried jujube dates, or into slow-simmered Korean herbal broths alongside goji berries and astragalus.
Safety
If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a healthcare professional before use. Discontinue use if an allergic reaction occurs. This is a natural agricultural product, so seed size and color may vary slightly between harvests.
Sour jujube seed vs jujube fruit (red dates) — what's the difference?
They come from closely related trees, but they are different parts used in different ways. Red dates (daechu, Da Zao) are the sweet dried fruit of the cultivated jujube — snacked on, steeped for flavor, added to samgyetang. Sour jujube seed comes from a smaller, tart wild relative, and only the seed is used, mainly for brewing. If you are looking for the sweet fruit, see our California Sun-Dried Red Dates.
Explore more
Browse the full Traditional Korean Herbs collection, or pair sanjoin with Korean Goji Berries and California Sun-Dried Red Dates for a classic Korean tea pantry.
Ships from our New Jersey warehouse within 1 business day.
Disclaimer: 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.
