What are dates?
Dates are a type of dried fruit, usually oblong in shape and varying in size, color, and texture. They have been harvested and consumed since ancient times and are native to the Middle East and North Africa. Dates belong to the palm family, which is known as the Arecaceae family and they are scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera. They are also known by other names such as the ‘Candy dates’, ‘Jujube’ and ‘Date palm’.
Scientific Name: Phoenix dactylifera
Other Names: Date palm, Date tree, Palm tree, Jujube, Candy dates
Are dates Dr. Sebi approved?
Yes. Dates are listed on Dr. Sebi’s food list or Nutritional Guide.
Habitat – Where dates are found
Date palms are native to the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa, with some species found in the United States and Mexico.
Description
Date palms are tall, single-stemmed trees that can reach up to 20 meters in height. The leaves are long and pinnate, with up to 100 leaflets. The fruit is a round to oval, yellow-brown drupe containing a single seed.
Dates are native to the desert regions of North Africa, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula. It is believed that the date palm was first cultivated in the region of what is now Iraq, but it is now cultivated in many other warm regions including Iran, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.
Description of dates
Dates are sweet, chewy fruits that range in color from yellow to reddish-brown. Their texture can range from very soft and creamy to very dry and wrinkled. Dates vary in size from small to large. They have a single long seed in the center that is surrounded by a sweet, fleshy pulp.
Status of dates (eg Natural, Hybrid or GMO)
Most dates are natural and not genetically modified. However, some varieties of dates are hybrid varieties which are created by crossing two different varieties.
What are the wild species of dates?
The wild species of dates include the Khadrawy, Halawi and Zahidi dates.
Which varieties of dates are hybrids?
Some varieties of dates that are hybrids include the Medjool, Deglet Noor, and Barhi.
Which varieties of dates are GMO?
At this time, there are no varieties of dates that are genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Mineral content of dates
Dates are a good source of minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and potassium. They are also a good source of dietary fiber.
Medicinal value of dates
Dates have been used medicinally for centuries. They are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and they are thought to be beneficial for digestion. Dates are also believed to help with weight loss, as they are high in fiber and aid in the feeling of fullness and is a natural laxative..
Culinary uses of dates
Dates are a versatile ingredient in many recipes. They can be eaten as a snack or used as a sweetener. They can be added to smoothies, cereals, salads, and desserts. They can also be used to make date paste, which is a thick, sweet spread or can be used in baking.
Research information
Research has found that dates have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and are believed to be beneficial for digestion. Studies have also shown that dates may help with weight loss due to their high fiber content. Research has also found that dates are a good source of dietary fiber, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and are believed to be beneficial for digestion (Healthline, 2020). Studies have also shown that dates may help with weight loss due to their high fiber content (Organic Facts, 2020).
Date recipes
There are many recipes that use dates as an ingredient. Some of these include date sugar, date muffins, date cake, date smoothies, date bread, date bars, date shakes, date cookies, date and nut energy bars, date and kale salad, and date and walnut bread.
How to make date sugar
Date sugar is a natural sweetener that is made from dried dates. To make date sugar, start by blending the dates in a food processor or blender until they are a fine powder. Then, sift the powder to remove any large pieces. Finally, store the date sugar in an airtight container.
Alkaline date shake recipe
Ingredients:
-2 cups walnut milk
-2 tablespoons agave
-1 teaspoon ground ginger
-1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
-1/2 cup dates, pitted and chopped
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the walnut milk, agave, ginger, cardamom, and blend until smooth.
2. Add the chopped dates and blend until combined.
3. Serve chilled. Enjoy!
References
1. Dates: Nutritional, Medicinal and Health Benefits. (2020, July 29). Retrieved from https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/dates.html
2. Date Fruit: Nutrition, Health Benefits and How to Eat. (2020, August 1). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/date-fruit
3. Sahib, A. (2015). Phoenix dactylifera L. (Date Palm). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_dactylifera
