Dates are the Super Food of nature: a powerhouse of minerals, energy and fiber. But how much do you really know about this rich, creamy piece of goodness? Here are some interesting facts about dates:
• Because the tree and its fruit have so many uses, from food to building materials, the date palm is known as the ‘tree of life’ in the Middle East, and it’s the national symbol of Saudi Arabia.
• Date palm seeds can go dormant for decades until the right light and water conditions present themselves.
• Dates were probably cultivated about 8,000 years ago in present-day Iraq.
• Date palms are like giant solar collectors. They require at least 100 sunny days of 100 degrees for best fruit production. Over the 7-month growing season, which includes summer, they store the intense energy of the desert in their fruit.
• About 3 percent of the earth’s farmland is covered by date palms, producing four million tons a year.
• There are more than 200 varieties of dates. Majdool, large and caramel-like, is the hardest to grow, and therefore one of the most expensive to buy.
• A single mature date tree can produce 200 to 300 pounds or up to 10,000 dates in just one season!
• Date palms grow up to 21 to 23 meters, or 69 to 75 feet high, and 30 feet around.
• Dates are used as sweeteners in juices, smoothies, nutrition bars, muffins, pastries, snacks, and so many more.
• Date fruits stones are used for making soap and even eyeliners.
