Dates, Fruit of the middle east

Dates (Kurma)

Dates, is one of the oldest fruit trees in the  world and is mentioned in the Qur'an and Bible. Number of date palms is about 100 million worldwide, of which 62 million palms can be found in the Arab world. Place of origin palm, the date is uncertain. Some argue that the first date palm tree home in Babel, Iraq, while others believe that its origin or Dareen Hofuf, Saudi Arabia or Harqan, the Persian Gulf island of Bahrain.

Dates Tree

Dates is a "drupe" in which an outer fleshy (exocarp and mesocarp) surrounding the shell (the pit or stone) of hardened endocarp with a seed inside. Each fruit is oval-shaped and cylindrical, 3-7 cm long and 2-3 cm in diameter, and when unripe, range from bright red to bright yellow in color, depending on the variety. The flavor is sweet, like a mix of sugar syrup and honey. They contain a single, brown, semi-hard about 2-2,5 cm long and 6-8 mm thick.

Dates are one of the most popular fruit with an impressive list of important nutrients, vitamins and minerals necessary for normal growth, development and well-being.

The fruit is rich in dietary fiber, which prevents absorption of LDL cholesterol foods in the intestine. The fiber helps protect the mucous membrane of the colon, reducing the exposure time and as binding to cancer-causing chemicals in the colon.

Dates Cake

The dates have been traditionally used to treat different ailments of the Islamic world. Date of treating respiratory diseases, and to stimulate the heart rate. The date can also make an ointment for the treatment of local irritation and sores. The dates are expected to strengthen the muscles of the uterus during the last trimester of pregnancy. This is believed to help the expansion of the uterus during birth. Dates are also recommended for use during breast-feeding additional power to add to your diet.

Palm fruit date can also be used for cooking. They can be cut and used in a variety of sweets like cakes and other dessert dishes and other savory dishes.