Date palm scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera is a monocot plant belonging to the family Arecaceae which is cultivated in dry tropical regions worldwide for its sweet edible fruit. The native range is crucial to ascertain as it is spread through cultivation for thousands of years but is believed to have originated in regions around the Persian gulf- the Arabian peninsula and Northwest India. Since ancient times, dates have been cultivated from Mesopotamia and Babylonia to prehistoric Egypt as early as 4000 BCE. Fruits are used by Ancient Egyptians to make date wine and consume them at harvest.

Dates are medium-sized growing singly or forming in a clump having several stems from a single root system. It does not grow woody tissue but support them having stout fibrous and overlapping stems and measures 15 to 25 meters tall (50 to 80 feet). Leaves measures 3 to 5 meters long having spines on the petiole and pinnately compound with 150 leaflets. Leaflets measure 2 cm wide and 30 cm long. They are dioecious and wind-pollinated but often hand-pollinated in commercial production for better fruits and are propagated by cuttings to minimize the number of male trees.

Fruits are oval to cylindrical measuring 3-7 cm long and 2-3 cm diameter having a single seed measuring 2-2.5 cm long and 6-8 mm thick. Dates have three main cultivar groups such as semi-dry, soft, and dry having numerous varieties in each group including hybrids with other Phoenix species. Dates with high content of sugar are consumed fresh and used in preparing desserts and foods with substantial regional dishes in India and the Middle East and used in holiday fruitcakes in Europe and U.S. Besides its edible fruits, seeds are grounded into edible flour used for making bread at times of scarcity. Flowers could also be consumed and used in salads or dried & ground as condiments. Date palm could be grown from the seed but 50 percent of seedlings are female and bear fruit and dates from seedlings plants are of poorer quality and smaller.

They are mentioned in the Koran and the Bible and are essential in Indian mythology. In tropical areas, they are a vital crop with 7.5 billion metric tons as 2009 global production. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iran are the top producers. The commercial plantations use cuttings of heavily cropping cultivars. In comparison to seedling plants, plants cultivated from cuttings bear fruit 2 to 3 years earlier. Naturally, dates are wind-pollinated but manual occurs in modern commercial orchards and traditional oasis horticulture. A male could pollinate upto 100 females with assistance.

Mature trees produce from 68 to 176 kilograms of dates per harvest season though they do not ripen at the same time so it requires several harvests. For getting the fruit of marketable quality, bunches of dates must be thinned and covered or bagged before ripening so the remaining fruits grow larger and are protected from pests and weather.

Description

Medjool date is a solitary tree measuring 30 meters with suckers producing offsets or roots present at the base. Leaves are glabrous measuring 1 to 5.1 meters long with many leaflets about 20-40 x 2-2.5 cm. Lower leaflets are 4-ranked and transformed into spines and upper ones are 2-ranked measuring 10 to 20 cm long with a yellowish apex. The inflorescence is covered by a hard and boat-like bract. Female inflorescence measures 90 to 120 cm and the main stalk is flat about 45 to 75 cm long and glabrous with numerous spikelets. Flowers are distant, green, and rounded. Sepals measure 4 x 2 mm and petals are two times larger than sepals and are rounded. Flowers are white, sessile, and sweet-scented with much larger than the female flowers. Stamens are 4 mm long with short filaments and erect anthers. Petals are valuable, 3-lobed measuring 7-8 mm long. Fruit is edible, fleshy, cylindric, yellowish-brown to reddish-brown, and about 2.5-5.0 x 1-1.5 cm broad. Seeds are stony, longitudinally grooved from one side, and acute? at the apex.

Sap

Medjool date is tapped for palm wine in large parts of Northern India. In Pakistan and other countries, it is tapped for palm syrup and jaggery production. In Africa, wild date palms are tapped for palm wine. The palm tapping process involves laceration of the unopened flower stalk and then fastening a bottle gourd, plastic, or clay vessel onto it. The sap collects in the vessel and is harvested in the early morning hours. If lime juices (a few drops) are added to palm sap then fermentation can be stopped and sap could be boiled to form palm sugar, palm syrup, jaggery, and various other edible products derived from the syrup. In Pakistan, India, Ghana, North Africa, and Côte d’Ivoire, dates are tapped for sweet sap which is transformed into palm sugar, alcoholic beverages, or molasses. In North Africa, a sap extracted from tapping palm trees is called lāgbī. If left for an adequate time period, lāgbī becomes an alcoholic drink. Tapping requires a special skill so that it does not die.

Leaves

In the Christian religion, date palm leaves are used for Palm Sunday. They are commonly used for making huts in North Africa. Leaves (matured ones) are made into screens, mats, fans, and baskets. The dried leaf petioles are a source of cellulose pulp used for brooms, walking sticks, fuel, and fishing floats. Leaf-sheaths are valued highly for their scent and fiber from them is used for coarse cloth, rope, and large hats. Leaves are used in the Jewish holiday of Sukkot as the lulav.

Young leaves are cooked and consumed as a vegetable and is the terminal heart or bud and its removal damages the palm. Seeds that are finely ground are combined with flour for making bread at times of scarcity. The flowers are also consumable. Flower buds are used in salad or ground with dried fish for making a condiment for bread.

History of dates

Medjool date is one of the varieties of dates. The larger size, decadently sweet flavor, and chewy texture have made Medjool prized for millenniums. It is regarded as the oldest cultivated fruit having evidence of its consumption in the Middle East by ancient cultures dating back to around 6000 B.C. The fruit was highly coveted historically due to its difficult and labor-intensive cultivation. Enjoyed exclusively by royalty & reserved for lavish celebrations hence inspire titles “The Diamond of Fruits” and “The King of Fruits”. In 1927, Medjool palms first came to the United States when an American horticulturist, Walter Swingle rescued nine offshoots from Moroccan crops threatened by disease. Nine offshoots were brought to California and then planted in Coachella Valley where 75% of dates are grown in the United States. In the Coachella Valley, all Caramel Naturel dates grow. In modern times, Medjool dates are widely accessible by the integrity of successful California farming and advances in technology which makes more efficient cultivation. Its presence in U.S. and California over the last century helped fruit to adapt itself diversely into American culinary culture. The awareness of the nutritional content of Medjool has widespread demand. Medjool continues to become as popular; it will always have a quality and tradition of being exotic, special, and utterly delicious.

Health Benefits of Medjool dates

Some sort of health benefits which Medjool dates provide:

1. Lower cholesterol?

Medjool dates are the smartest choice to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol?. Its consumption helps to increase both insoluble and soluble fiber intake which could lower the cholesterol naturally especially bad cholesterol. LDL cholesterol contributes to heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. The presence of too much cholesterol in the blood forms sticky deposits known as plaque? along artery walls. Eventually, plaque blocks or narrows the flow of blood to the heart, brain, and other organs.

Blood cells that get caught on plaque?-forming clots could break loose or block the blood flow completely through the artery causing stroke? or heart attack. It is recommended to include high fiber foods such as dates for people suffering from high cholesterol?.

2. Constipation? relief

Dates are one of the top foods for providing relief from constipation?. The presence of high fiber content makes it a superb choice to keep oneself regular. But if one has occasional constipation or has bleeding or severe pain? then consult the doctor because the symptoms could be a symptom of a digestive disorder. In case of no pain or bleeding then it is the sign of constipation that diet needs more fiber content. The requirement for an average adult is 25-30 grams of fiber per day for preventing constipation.

With high soluble fiber, dates keep the movements of the bowel regular with the addition of bulk to stool and also assist to move it faster from the intestines. Use Medjool dates as a natural remedy for providing relief from constipation?.

3. Energizes body

Medjool dates could be used as a post-workout or pre-workout snack. Dates have a high content of sugar than other fruits. Dates have a high content of natural sugar such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose. These sugars are processed and utilized easily by the body for energy. Consume a few Medjool dates or add it to snacks for getting energy. It is also used to combat tiredness.

4. Manage triglyceride levels

Medjool dates provide a healthy boost to the heart. Studies have shown that Medjool dates have a high content of antioxidant properties. Results showed that the consumption of 100 grams of Medjool dates daily for four weeks lowered the level of blood triglycerides by 8 percent.

Triglycerides are the type of lipid fat in the blood. The high triglyceride levels help to promote the chances of heart problems so it helps to maintain the triglycerides at a normal level.

5. Stronger bones

Medjool dates contain significant amounts of basic minerals that help to strengthen bones and counteract painful or debilitating bone diseases such as fracture? risk. সহজ বাংলা: হাড় দুর্বল হয়ে ভাঙার ঝুঁকি বেশি।" data-rx-term="osteoporosis" data-rx-definition="Osteoporosis means weak, fragile bones with higher fracture risk. সহজ বাংলা: হাড় দুর্বল হয়ে ভাঙার ঝুঁকি বেশি।">osteoporosis?. Add dates to the diet for people with osteoporosis. Dates have a high content of calcium and with phosphorus, it closely works for building strong bones or teeth. About 85% of the phosphorus of the body is in teeth and bones. Phosphorus is essential for the maintenance, growth, and repair of tissues and cells and for the production of DNA, RNA, and genetic building blocks. It is essential for balancing and also use of other minerals or vitamins such as zinc, magnesium, iodine, and Vitamin D.

Calcium is the most mineral for the body to develop and maintain strong bones and teeth. Calcium helps to keep nerves, heart, other body systems and muscles work properly and also helps to prevent fracture? risk. সহজ বাংলা: হাড় দুর্বল হয়ে ভাঙার ঝুঁকি বেশি।" data-rx-term="osteoporosis" data-rx-definition="Osteoporosis means weak, fragile bones with higher fracture risk. সহজ বাংলা: হাড় দুর্বল হয়ে ভাঙার ঝুঁকি বেশি।">osteoporosis?. As people age, the bones become weak and should maintain a diet rich in both phosphorus and calcium to combat bone degradation. The regular consumption of Medjool dates helps to uptake an intake of phosphorus and calcium.

6. Increment in metabolism

Medjool dates contain B vitamins such as pantothenic acid, niacin, and folic acid that help to regulate metabolism along with 300 different metabolic processes which are carried out within the body every single day. Moreover, it contains a copper insignificant amount that promotes absorption and generates energy within the body.

7. Neutralize free radicals

Medjool dates possess manganese that acts as a basic co-factor of superoxide dismutase which is an antioxidant that effectively neutralizes free radicals and also prevents the damage of cells.

8. Provides radiant skin

Medjool dates have good amounts of pantothenic acid and niacin. These nutrients and vitamins help one to provide healthy and radiant skin. So one should consume 2-3 dates every day.

9. Combat anemia?

Being a rich source of minerals such as iron, it helps to maintain hemoglobin? count and prevents the chances of anemia?. Add 3-4 dates to the daily diet and prevent the chances of iron deficiency.

10. Brain functions

Dates help to protect against infection?, or irritation, often causing pain?, swelling?, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation? and oxidative stress in the brain. The daily consumption of dates lowers the chances of neurodegenerative diseases and provides better cognitive performances in older individuals. It also slows down the chances of Alzheimer’s. Study shows that dates help to prevent inflammation in the brain.

11. Treat hemorrhoids

During pregnancy, hemorrhoids are a common complication and are caused by insufficient intake of fiber. Dates are an excellent source of fiber as we discussed already. It prevents the chances of hemorrhoids at the time of pregnancy.

Storage

Store it open or closed for upto 6 months under refrigeration. It could also be frozen.

Traditional uses

• Dates are used for treating fevers and respiratory diseases.
• Gum is used to treat diarrhea?.

 Precautions                                                                                                

• Consumption of Medjool date with pit causes choking.
• Monitor blood sugar due to high natural sugar content in Medjool dates.
• It may cause allergies such as tongue swelling?, runny nose, facial redness, or itchy eyes. Discontinue its consumption and seek medical attention.
• Medjool date is not good for those trying to lose weight or insulin? is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes? patients.

How to Eat         

• Consume dates out of hand.
• Use it to stuff fillings such as walnuts, almonds, candied orange, pecans, tahini, lemon peel, cream cheese or marzipan.
• Chopped dates are used in savory and sweet dishes such as desserts.
• In Southeast Spain, dates are wrapped in bacon and shallow fried.
• Date syrup is used in Israel for cooking chicken.
• Use it to make Jallab.
• The sap is fermented and distilled.
• Use it in fruit pies, cakes and confectionery.
• Add it to smoothies.

References