The Tree's Candy: Dates
Dates are very popular this time of year due to the Blessed Month of Ramadhan. It's highly recommended for Muslims to break their fast with three dates and water upon the setting of the sun.
I remember seeing a freshly opened box of dates as a child and an adult handing me three plump dates into my eager hands. I would hear them say that dates were healthy for you but at that time, all I knew it was the best candy-fruit in the world.
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| Photo Credit: Stan Shebs |
Background
Dates were cultivated about 7,000 years ago in what is now modern Iraq, Iran, and the Indus Valley area near Pakistan. Before then, however, dates were still flourishing and eaten all over North Africa and the Middle East. It was the fruit of the nomads and kings alike. It's naturally bacteria-resistant due to its high sugar content making it a perfect survival food that can practically last forever once dried. [1, 2, 3]Aside from eating them as a plain fruit, the flesh of dates could be incorporated into desserts and bread or can be made into a syrup. Date seed grounds were used in bread or made into a "coffee" beverage.
There are many varieties to choose from. Some of the more popular dates are:
- Deglat Noor
- Halawi
- Medjool
- Ajwa
- Khadrawi
- Bahri
How They are Grown
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| Photo Credit: Kajur |
Once the fruit begins the ripening process, it is common to see muslin bags tied around the bunches of dates. this is to help protect the dates from insects and birds. It will also catch any ripen dates that may fall from the bunch.[4]
Fun Fact: Date palm tree fronds can hold up to 250lbs!
General Health Benefits
Dates are great for digestion due to the soluble and insoluble fiber it contains. This fiber also aids in lowering "bad" cholesterol thus preventing heart problems. Furthermore, dates contain magnesium and potassium; both of which helps lower the blood pressure. These along with selenium, copper, and manganese, fortify bone health.
This fruit is high in natural sugars like glucose and fructose, making it appealing as an energy-boosting snack. Although there is a considerable amount of vitamins, fiber, and the fact that these sugars are generally easily processed in the body, one should take care not to overindulge.
Some of the beneficial vitamins that dates provide are:
This fruit is high in natural sugars like glucose and fructose, making it appealing as an energy-boosting snack. Although there is a considerable amount of vitamins, fiber, and the fact that these sugars are generally easily processed in the body, one should take care not to overindulge.
Some of the beneficial vitamins that dates provide are:
- Riboflavin (B2)
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Niacin (B6)
- Thiamine (b3)
Please note that in different varieties of dates, the vitamins and mineral levels differ.
(5, 6)
When choosing your dates, check to make sure there is no crystallization on them. If they are fresh they should appear glossy. Store in an airtight container in a cool area. Refrigerating them increases their lifespan. Dried dates can be soaked before eating or using them in recipes.
When choosing your dates, check to make sure there is no crystallization on them. If they are fresh they should appear glossy. Store in an airtight container in a cool area. Refrigerating them increases their lifespan. Dried dates can be soaked before eating or using them in recipes.
Disclaimers
- All product reviews are based on my experiences. Please be advised that everyone may not have the same experience. I am not affiliated with any product or marketing unless otherwise noted. Please check with manufacture disclaimers prior to use of any product.
- All advice, information, and remedies should be taken into severe consideration. Please contact your health practitioner or holistic practitioner if you are struggling with a disease or currently taking any form of medication, pregnant or breastfeeding.
- These statements-unless otherwise noted- have not been evaluated by the FDA
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