Dates: A Timeless Treasure

By: Tini Thangjam
When dates are mentioned, we immediately think of the dark ruby red glazed fruits we snack on. Dates are a popular fruit in many parts of the world and are known for its natural sweet taste. They come from the date palm tree scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera. They are widely grown in regions with hot and arid climate such asthe Northern Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, specifically for their fruits which are known as dates. Dates are oval and cylindrical with a length of about 1 to 3 inches and its diameter being about 1 inch. Depending on the type of variety, their colour can range from dark brown, red to yellow.
The history of dates is intertwined with the human civilization. Its significance is of great importance to human kind in developing societies through cultivation and consumption of dates. It is believed that the date palm originated from Iraq in the region known as Fertile Crescent which is between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Evidence says, dates were one of the earliest crops cultivated in the region dating back to more than 6,000 years. They were also a staple for civilizations in the Middle East which includes the Babylonians, Egyptians and Sumerians. At those times, they were highly regarded for their nutritive value and symbolized abundance and prosperity. Over time, their cultivation was widespread in the areas of Middle East and North Africa, as well as to other areas with similar climatic conditions such as South Asia, Mediterranean and the Arabian Peninsula. Moreover, it is culturally and religiously important. For example, in Quran, dates are mentioned over twenty times and are traditionally consumed to break the fast after Ramadan. In Christianity and Judaism, dates are of significant importance. Another example, date palm leaves are used for Palm Sunday in the Christian religion. Dates were too traded like other goods for centuries along the ancient trade routes, such as the silk route. This contributed to not only exchange in goods but also the swapping of cultures. As the concept of preservation was introduced, dates were either subjected to drying, pressing into cakes or turning them into date syrups for longer shelf life. In today’s era, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iran are the top three producers of dates in the world.
Even to this date they are recognized for their nutritional value. They are rich in carbohydrates, which can be split into sugars and dietary fibre. The sugars that are present in them are primarily, glucose, fructose and sucrose. This is the main contributor to its sweet taste as well as a quick source of energy. They are often consumed on its own or used as a natural sweetener in other recipes. They provide approximately 7g of fibres in 100g dates which is 27% of the recommended daily dietary fibre intake. I would say it is a good amount as it will aid in the digestion and bowel movement. In addition, vitamin B6 which is a crucial micronutrient for brain development and function is present and contributes to 10% of daily intake in a 100g of dates. This can be roughly calculated to around 0.2miligrams of vitamin B6. They contain a lot of minerals, particularly they are rich in potassium and magnesium. These minerals are vital for heart health and maintaining proper blood pressure. Magnesium further plays a major role in muscle and nerve functions. Protein and iron are in low percentage therefore, their presence is not much noteworthy. However, dates are a source of phytonutrients; these are not essential nutrients, despite that, they have important properties such as antimicrobial effect, antioxidant activity, modulation of detoxification enzyme, anti-cancer properties and many more.
Food can be medicine and in contrast, it can turn upon an individual and become toxic. Same is the case with dates. It can be of great nutritional valuehowever; one should be mindful about the quantity of consumption. They are calorie-dense as they are rich in sugars, those controlling their blood sugar levels specially, individuals with diabetes should limit its consumption and check their total sugar intake. It is obvious that natural sugars present in dates are better than processed sugars, therefore people can consume it in moderation. Moreover, dates available in the market are mostly coated with additional sugars such as glucose to lengthen its shelf life and for public appeal. This can be lethal for those having high sugar levels. I suggest everyone to check the ingredient list before buying it and purchase according to your taste and needs. Dates are available in dried form; people can opt for it if they don’t want the additional sugar layer. In addition, they have a high content of a sugar alcohol called sorbitol which is known to increase bowel movements. This effect is unfavourable to those experiencing diarrhea or IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Pregnant women should abstain from consuming it due to the compounds present in them that causes contractions in the uterus.
I will be listing down some varieties of dates you may indulge in if you want to explore its various types with its own unique tastes, textures and appearances. Medjool dates known as the ‘king of dates’ is a perfect choice if you prefer your dates being large, sweet, soft and chewy. They have caramel-like flavour and are often incorporated into desserts. Deglet Noor dates are the semi-dry kind which has a sweet and nutty flavour. It is mostly used in cooking and baking. Other dates are zahidi, barhi, halawi, khadrawy, dayri, thoory, etc. They are really an ancient treasure and a modern delight; do incorporate them in your diets as they are a versatile and a nutritious fruit.
(The writer has finished her Bachelors in Food Technology from College of Food Technology CAU, Lamphel, Manipur. The writer can be reached at [email protected])