Also called Chinese jujube and red date, this olive-sized fruit has a leathery skin that, depending on the variety, can be red (most common), off-white or almost black. The flavour of the rather dry, yellowish flesh is prunelike. The Chinese date is generally imported from China, though some are being grown on the West Coast. Some fresh fruit is available (mainly in the West), but those found most often (usually in Chinese markets) are dried and must be soaked in water before using. Chinese cooks use this fruit in both savoury and sweet dishes.