Mariam Nihal
Saudi Gazette
DATES (Arabic: Tamr) are known to be one of the fruits of paradise, mentioned in the Qur’an and have been a part of the staple diet in Middle Eastern households for centuries.
Muslims across the world usually break their fast with dates and water following the Sunnah. Dates also avoid overeating after breaking due to their rich nutritional value. Dates are usually served with gahwa (Arabic coffee) as a rich tradition in every Arabic household.
There is archaeological evidence of date cultivation in eastern Arabia in 4,000 BC to before ancient times from Mesopotamia to prehistoric Egypt.
Alphonse de Candolle stated that this ranged in the prehistoric era from Senegal to the basin of the Indus River within northern India, particularly in between latitudes 15 and 30.
Dates are one of the sweetest of all fruits and have a uniquely high nutritional value. In many ways, dates are idealistic in providing a wide range of essential nutrients and potential health benefits.
Dates have also provided a large number of other delicacies, which have been significantly used in all aspects of daily life.
Gone are the days of dates being a part of an ordinary diet; these days it has become a luxury product.
Many date companies in Saudi Arabia provide special offers during Ramadan and luxury dates around the year for millions of pilgrims and people living in the Kingdom. Dates are stuffed with pistachios, coffee beans, peanuts, tahina, chocolates, caramel, dried fruits and raisins among other delicacies.
Date cakes and shakes are among the most coveted and hottest selling items during Ramadan.
Local luxury date boutiques like Talah offer delicacies of the date world. Their creative mini date tarts are offered in different flavors: some of these are ginger, orange and chocolate sticks. Their date sweet pastries are layered with almonds, biscuit and chocolate. You can indulge in their low cholesterol and healthy date cake. The cake is made with whole-wheat flour and dates.
It is a great treat for sweet lovers in a healthier way. Ma’amoul are biscuits or pastries filled with dates paste mixed with sesame seeds.
Ma’amoul biscuits are usually served with milk or coffee and are every household’s favorite treat, especially in Ramadan where dates bring out the festive flavor of the month.
Some dates are usually fat and cholesterol free and can even consist of only 23 calories, which makes it a healthy low-calorie snack food.
Dates consist of different amino acids that help us absorb and deal with carbohydrates, manage blood sugar as well as fatty acid levels. Dates are also useful for the body’s central nervous system and in increasing the flexibility and vitality of blood vessels.
Dates are higher in calories than most fruits, but are a great substitute for processed sweets, that help facilitate weight-loss. They are loaded with fiber, potassium along with vitamins and minerals, which are known to control food cravings, be good for digestion, during pregnancy and even fever. Dates possess fiber, copper, calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron, amino acids, phosphorous along with other healthy properties.
Dates prevent intestinal disorders, help cure intoxication, provide dental care, ensure a healthy heart, treats anemia and is a great energy booster. Date palms can take four to eight years before they bear fruit and produce yields for commercial harvest between seven to 10 years.
Popular dates varieties include: Ajwa, Aabel, Barhi, Dayri, Deglet Noor, Tamej, Umeljwary, Umelkhashab, Halawy, Hayany, Khadrawy, Khastawi, Maktoom, Medjool, Saidy, Thoory, Zahdi, Amir Hajj, Iteema, Migraf, Deglet Noor, Manakbir, Al-Barakah, Fardh or Fard, Empress, Ftimi, Holwah, Khalasah, Manakbir, Migraf (Mejraf), Mgmaget Ayuob Mozafati, Nabtat-seyf, Rotab, Sag‘ai, Sukkary, Sellaj, Tagyat and Zaghloul.
This month, soothe your mind and clear your soul. Enjoy the unique variety and delicacies of the dates to remind you of the legend that dates are truly the fruit of paradise.
