Morphological and organoleptic nature of Ziziphus jujuba Mill.

The study aimed to identify morphological and sensory differences among 19 genotypes of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. grown at the Slovak University of Agriculture. Morphological analysis revealed variations in fruit weight (4.68 to 0.66 g), length (21.67 to 0.77 mm), and width (16.97 to 0.67 mm), with a fresh pulp to total fruit mass ratio of 57-79%. Significant differences were also found in pulp and pericarp pigmentation, as well as in the shape and color of stones, which weighed between 0.90 and 0.24 g. Sensory analysis using a 9-point scale on dried fruit pulp and boiled flesh samples from selected genotypes showed notable taste differences. The findings suggested potential for expanding specific jujube genotypes in Slovakia, focusing on organic agriculture and other practical applications.