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Date
Date

Date

The Bread of the Desert
Systematics
Scientific name: Phoeniceae
German name: Dattel
Other names: Phoenix dactylifera
Classification: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Subfamily: Coryphoideae
Tribute: Phoeniceae
Genus: Date palms
Season: October - January
  • Water 55,1%
  • Carbohydrates 36,6%
  • Proteins 1,8%
  • Fats 1%
  • Crude fibre 3,5%

Healthy alternative for sweet toothers

The term "date" is derived from the Greek "dáktylos", which means "finger" in German, because the palm leaf has a fingriges appearance.

Dates are an excellent substitute for sweets if you want to look after your figure at the same time. The fruit is sweet, has a strong satiating effect and very little fat. In addition, the high fibre content promotes digestion and the high potassium content stimulates blood pressure, which ensures that excess water is washed out.

Nutrition information

Quantity per 100 grams

Calories 276
Fat content 0,5 g
Saturated fatty acids 0 g
Sodium 4 mg
Potassium 650 mg
Carbohydrates 65,1 g
Roughage 8,7 g
Sugar 65,1 g
Protein 1,81 g

Origin & Provenance

Health

Preparation

Storage

Origin & Provenance

For more than 8000 years, the date palms, which can reach a height of 30m and can live up to 100 years, have been cultivated in their native India and on the Persian Gulf, where they have long enjoyed a high reputation as valuable fruit producers and magnificent avenue trees. In Africa and Asia this very descriptive palm plant (Palmaceae) is considered as the most important oasis tree, since it can reach the groundwater with its up to 6 meters long roots and due to that serves even in desert areas as an original food supplier and shade donor.

Although 50-100 kg of edible dates are harvested per palm per year, the date palm does not reach its full carrying capacity until between the ages of 30 and 100. Imported dates are always deep-frozen and are thawed only shortly before the sale.

The most important import areas are Egypt, Africa, Arabia, Australia, India, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Greece, California, the Canary Islands, North Africa, Sicily, Spain and Turkey. The main European hub for dates is Marseille.

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Health

The easily digestible date is considered an effective and long-lasting energy source. It also ensures a healthy blood sugar level and has a nerve strengthening and digestive effect. Since fresh date juice promotes blood circulation in the skin, it gives a youthful complexion in a natural and cost-effective way. Pureed date meat mixed with yoghurt is considered a natural and quick aid to falling asleep.

In Arabia, the date is said to have a prophylactic effect against cancer due to its high calcium, magnesium and phosphorus content.

Preparation

Dates are processed fresh or dried into desserts, compote, fruit salad, confectionery, pastries, marrow, honey, paste and as snacks (e.g. coated with chocolate). Fresh dates are eaten like plums by cutting them to the side before eating to remove the seeds. Their thin skin can then be removed effortlessly. In the countries where it is grown, the juice that escapes when the date blossoms are tapped is processed into soft drinks, palm wine (toddy) and palm wine liqueur. The date kernels are used for oil production.

The date leaves are also called palm cabbage and can be processed into savoy cabbage-like vegetables. These leaves are often used in religious worship in the countries where they are cultivated or processed into commodities.

Storage

Fresh dates can be stored cool and not too dry for up to 3 days. However, they should not be placed directly next to flour and cereal products, otherwise worms can quickly infest them. Similarly, dates should not be kept near onions or leeks, as they quickly absorb their odours and are therefore no longer particularly edible.

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