Dates are one of the most special fruits that are widely available today. In this text, we want to write complete information about this fruit along with the properties of dried dates, how to prepare them, and the various uses of dried dates. Stay with us:
Dates are one of the famous fruits around the world that have been available to humans for many years and date back to the fifth century BC. In the past, dates were the dominant force of the people of the Middle East and North Africa and were mainly planted in these areas. Since this fruit contains macronutrients and several other important elements, it helps a lot in maintaining health.
What is a date
Date, with the scientific name Phoenix dactylifera and the English name Date, is a tree from the palm family and belongs to the consumption group of tonics and cholesterol reducers. Dates are actually the fruit of a palm tree called Phoenix Dactyla, which is very similar to the coconut palm. Its height reaches 31 meters and clusters containing 200 dates weighing 11.5 are hanging from it.
The leaves of the tree have long petioles that are cut in the form of a comb at the upper end of the tree trunk, the flowers of the bisexual tree are placed in large inflorescences. Usually, palm trees bear fruit after 4 to 5 years and can continue this process for up to 80 years, sometimes the yield of a date tree reaches 91 kg.
Dates are a 2.5 cm long fruit, golden brown in color, sweet and hanging from the tree. Dates can be found in most of the tropical regions of the world. Dates were imported from Iran to China through the Silk Road. In our country, Khuzestan province is the center of date production in Iran and the world, and it is also planted in Kermanshah, Ilam, Fars, Kerman and Yazd provinces.
The golden bunches of dates are picked in the middle of the summer season and the dates are manually separated from the bunches, then a part of it is sent for the preparation of various products as well as extraction, and the rest is packed in bags until the process of ripening. , it continues to become soft and black, and the dates are so-called completely ripe.
Types of dates
There are different types of date fruit in the world, depending on the type of each one, they have many properties for health. In total, there are more than 3,000 types of dates around the world, but all these varieties are not necessarily suitable for human consumption and industrial production. The truth is that only about 200 to 400 types of this fruit are used for business. Below we bring you the most important examples:
Majul
The roots of this type of date go back to Morocco, they are large, with soft skin, sweet and delicious, and have a toffee-like flavor.
Barhi
This date is also known as yellow date, this type of date is native to Iraq, it is soft and has thicker flesh and also smaller size than others.
Dayri or Dayri
This type of date is long, narrow and black, has a soft texture, strong aroma and taste, soft flesh and dark brown skin.
Halavi or Halavi
This type of date has a soft, delicate texture and a sweet aroma and taste like honey. Halavi has a golden brown skin and small to medium size.
Deglat Noor
One of the best varieties of Tunisia and Algeria. It is a semi-dry type with a sweet and mild flavor and its taste is known as the real taste of dates. Deglet Noor has a medium to large size and the color of its skin changes from amber to dark brown when it reaches maturity. This date is one of the most important commercial dates in the world and is highly popular in Arab societies. The texture of this type of date is slightly crispy.
Haiani
This type is mostly cultivated in Egypt and has a dark red or black color. This type of date has a mild and sweet taste.
Migraf or Mjaraf
This type is very popular in areas such as southern Yemen. This large date has a golden-amber color and is very tasty. The origin of this type goes back to Algeria.
Itima
Itima is a native of Algeria and one of the very sweet varieties of this fruit. This type of date is light amber in color and has a relatively large size and a rectangular shape.
Other types of dates such as Khasavi, Al Mehtari, Rabi, Kabkab, Shahani, Astamran, Mozafati, Guntar, Payaram, Zahedi, Ambara, Tori, Sekari, Sidi, Sagai, Safavi, Maktoum, Mabrom, Khodari, Khola, Khazravi, Umbra and Ajawa and… They also exist. In the meantime, they say that Majul dates are the best type for consumption and trade.
Properties of dates
Below are examples of the properties of dates and dry dates:
Dried dates reduce cholesterol
Did you know that dates are cholesterol-free and contain very little fat? Including a small amount of dates in your daily diet can help you control your cholesterol level and even if you use it continuously, it will help you lose weight.
Dry dates are rich in protein
Dates are an important source of proteins that help us stay fit and even keep muscles strong. During a study, many gym goers are asked to eat a few dates every day as part of their daily routine. After some time, they realized that their protein intake is more than people who do not consume dates.
Dried dates are rich in vitamins
Dates contain vitamins such as B1, B2, B3 and B5 as well as A1 and C. If you eat a few dates every day, you will not have to take vitamin supplements. Consuming dates not only improves your health, but also makes a noticeable change in your energy level. This is because dates contain natural sugars such as glucose, sucrose and fructose, so they work really well as a snack.
Dry dates improve bone health
Dates can do wonders for bone health. Yes, you heard right. Dates are rich in selenium, manganese, copper and magnesium, and all of these are necessary to strengthen bone health and prevent diseases such as osteoporosis.
Dry dates strengthen the nervous system
Dates are full of potassium and at the same time contain little sodium, and this greatly helps to regulate the functioning of the nervous system. Potassium also helps in reducing cholesterol and reduces and controls the risk of strokes.
Dry dates are rich in iron
Apart from fluorine that keeps teeth healthy, dates also contain adequate amounts of iron, this combination is highly recommended for those who suffer from anemia. Anemia and severe iron deficiency may cause fatigue or lethargy, shortness of breath or chest pain. Needless to say, this fruit also works great for blood purification.
Dry dates improve digestion
If you soak a few dates in water and consume them daily, it will improve your digestion and the functioning of your digestive system. This is highly recommended for those who have constipation problems due to its high fiber content.
Dry dates help improve skin health
Taking vitamins C and D is a practical prescription for improving skin elasticity, these two vitamins also keep your skin young and smooth. In addition, if you suffer from skin problems, using dates in your diet may gradually help to resolve them. Apart from the aforementioned, dates have anti-aging benefits and prevent the accumulation of melanin in your body.
Dry dates help heart health
Dates are also useful in maintaining heart health. To use its properties for the heart, soak the date in water overnight and eat it in the morning. With this method, you can benefit from its positive effects on the heart. As we mentioned earlier, this substance is rich in potassium, studies show that potassium can reduce the risk of stroke and other heart-related diseases.
Dates are also a healthy and delicious way to reduce cholesterol levels in the body because they contain anti-cholesterol compounds. The presence of high cholesterol in a person’s body increases the risk of heart disease.
Dry dates give energy
Researchers say that dates are an excellent way to control and relieve fatigue. Likewise, it can give you a lot of energy and even help cure a hangover. To get the best results from consuming dates, you should soak them overnight in water and then consume them.
Dates help to gain weight
The sugar, proteins and other vitamins in fruit help to gain weight, especially for people who are very thin and need to gain weight. Of course, it is said that when eating dates with other fruits like cucumbers, it helps you to keep your weight at a normal level. This is what we call flexibility!
Dry dates cure sexual weakness
Studies conducted on the effects of dates show that this fruit is effective in increasing sexual desire. Soak some dates in fresh goat’s milk, then put them in a blender with the same milk and mix well. Then add a little cardamom and honey to it and consume it.
This combination will be useful for increasing sexual power and reducing infertility caused by many disorders. In 2006, the effect of dates and its oil on the sexual performance of people was studied. This study showed that high levels of estradiol and flavonoids in dates can increase sperm count.
Different uses of dates
Dates can be consumed and used in the following ways:
fresh fruit
Dates are normally almost dry, but there are examples of dates that have a soft and juicy texture, these fruits are consumed raw with tea or as a snack. Products such as extract, juice, cakes, date milk, etc. are made from date fruit.
dry dates
Dates are dried after cleaning and removing the core with different methods. This dried fruit is used to reduce weight, eliminate hunger, strengthen the body, maintain cardiovascular health, reduce cholesterol, improve blood circulation, improve hair health, prevent Osteoporosis, relieving constipation and improving the function of the digestive system are useful and appropriate.
How to prepare dry dates
To prepare dried dates as much as possible, try to choose dates without juice or dates that have less juice. Wash the dates as much as you like and let them drain and dry. After drying completely, remove the core of the dates and cut them into pieces with scissors or a sharp knife.
Of course, according to your taste and preference, you can slice the dates coarsely or finely. After this, roll the dates in a small amount of sugar and some flour and put them in a dry place until they dry completely. You can put them in a place where you like some light.
Information and medicinal compounds of dates
60 to 70% of dates are absorbable carbohydrates such as fructose or glucose. 100 grams of dates produce 490 calories of energy and contain 8 grams of fiber. This fruit is a good source of potassium (64% more than bananas and 260% more than oranges), iron, copper, manganese, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, thiamin and riboflavin.
Used parts of dates
The used parts of the date tree are its fresh and dried fruit, and also the tree’s bud (tarooneh) is used to prepare syrup and food.
The use of dates in traditional medicine
In traditional medicine, dates have a warm and dry nature and are used to cure chronic diarrhea, cure general weakness and strengthen the body. In modern medical science, it is believed that a type of fiber in dates called beta-D-glucan prevents the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine and reduces and delays the absorption of glucose. It has been found in recent research that dates contain many antioxidant compounds and can have anti-cancer effects.
In Indian medicine, dates are used to cure digestive disorders, kidney disorders, headaches, corneal opacity, and to cure bronchitis. In Iranian Islamic medicine, dates are used to strengthen sexual powers, increase weight for thin people, improve digestive system function, etc. do
Disadvantages of excessive use of dates
Dates are prohibited for people prone to allergies, dates should be used with caution for people with diabetes and liver failure. In case of excessive and excessive consumption of dates, there may be complications including liver discomfort and severe constipation.
Key and important points about dates
- Dates have other names including bosr, balah and rutb.
- The best time to consume dates is after meals.
- Because dates have a lot of sugar, check the suitable place for insect eggs and larvae before consumption.
- Dried dates have more fiber than fresh dates.
- Athletes consume dates to get energy before every competition.
Nutritional value table of dates
Dates consist of macronutrients and micronutrients according to the tables below, which make up its nutritional value
The main ingredient in 100 grams
- Energy (calories) 277 kcal
- Carbohydrate 74.97 grams
- Protein 1.81 grams
- Fat 0.15 grams
- Water 21.32 grams
- Fiber 6.70 grams
- Sugar 66.47 grams
- Cholesterol 0.00 mg
Date vitamins
Vitamin name, amount per 100 grams
- Vitamin A 7.00 mcg
- Vitamin D 0.00 mcg
- Vitamin E 0.00 mg
- Vitamin K 2.70 micrograms
- Vitamin C 0.00 mg
- Thiamine (B1) 0.05 mg
- Riboflavin (B2) 0.06 mg
- Niacin (B3) 1.61 mg
- Choline (B4) 9.90 mg
- Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.81 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.25 mg
- Folate (B9) 15.00 micrograms
- Vitamin B12 0.00 mg
Date minerals
The name of the mineral, the amount per 100 grams
- Calcium 64.00 mg
- Iron 0.90 mg
- Magnesium 54.00 mg
- Phosphorus 62.00 mg
- Potassium 696.00 mg
- Sodium 1.00 mg
- Zinc 0.44 mg
- Copper 0.36 mg
- Manganese 0.30 mg
- Selenium 0.00 micrograms