Dates (Khajur): History, Varieties, Taste & Storage Guide

Key Takeaways

• Ancient Desert Survivor: The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is one of the oldest cultivated fruit trees, with archaeological evidence of cultivation dating back over 7,000 years in Mesopotamia and the Arabian Peninsula.
• A True Fruit, Not a Dried Fruit: Botanically, dates are berries that naturally dehydrate on the tree. Unlike most dried fruits that require artificial dehydration, dates dry naturally as they ripen, concentrating their sugars.
• Four Ripening Stages: Dates pass through four distinct stages as they mature: Kimri (unripe, green, astringent), Khalal (full-size, crunchy, yellow/red), Rutab (soft, partially ripe), and Tamar (fully ripe, dried, shelf-stable).
• Hundreds of Varieties: Over 3,000 date varieties exist worldwide, with famous types including the luxurious Medjool (large, soft, caramel-like), the premium Ajwa (dark, chewy, prized in Islamic tradition), and the semi-dry Deglet Noor (translucent, honey-like).
• Sacred and Symbolic: Dates hold profound religious significance in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, mentioned extensively in the Quran, Bible, and Torah as symbols of abundance, hospitality, and divine blessing.
• Gender in Plants: Date palms are dioecious—individual trees are either male or female. Commercial orchards require manual pollination, a skilled tradition passed down through generations.

What Exactly Is a Date (Khajur)? Understanding the Fruit

While commonly categorized as a dried fruit, the date is botanically a fresh fruit that naturally dries on the tree as it ripens, concentrating its sugars and transforming its texture without any artificial dehydration process.

The Botanical Classification

A botanist specializing in the Arecaceae (palm) family would explain:

• Scientific Name: The date palm’s scientific name is Phoenix dactylifera. The genus Phoenix includes about 14 palm species, but only P. dactylifera produces the edible dates we consume.
• It’s a Berry: Botanically, the date is classified as a berry—a simple fruit with a fleshy pericarp (outer layer) surrounding a single hard seed. The fruit grows in large hanging clusters called “bunches” or “strands,” with each bunch containing 200-1,000 individual dates.
• Natural Dehydration: Unlike raisins, prunes, or apricots that require mechanical drying, dates undergo a natural desiccation process as they ripen on the tree. Moisture content decreases from about 80% in the early stages to 20-25% at full ripeness, naturally concentrating sugars up to 70-80% of dry weight.

This unique ripening process makes dates one of nature’s most perfectly preserved foods, capable of lasting months or even years without refrigeration when properly stored. Understanding this classification also helps recognize the broader classification of nuts and dried fruits in the culinary world.

Is a Date a True Nut or Dried Fruit?

No, a date is neither a true nut nor technically a “dried” fruit. It is a berry that naturally dehydrates on the tree as it ripens, making it a fresh fruit in its mature, edible form.

What Family Is the Date Palm In?

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) belongs to the Arecaceae family, also known as the palm family, which includes coconuts, oil palms, and ornamental palms.

What Is the Ancient History of the Date?

The date palm represents one of humanity’s earliest and most successful agricultural endeavors, with a cultivation history spanning over 7,000 years and a cultural impact that shaped the development of civilizations in some of the world’s harshest climates.

From Wild Origins to Systematic Cultivation

A food historian and archaeobotanist would explain that wild date palms likely originated in the regions around the Persian Gulf, possibly in present-day Iraq, Kuwait, or eastern Arabia. The earliest archaeological evidence of date cultivation comes from Mehrgarh (modern-day Pakistan) around 7,000 BCE and from Mesopotamian sites dating to 5,000-4,000 BCE. Ancient Mesopotamians developed sophisticated irrigation systems specifically to support date palm groves, recognizing the tree’s ability to produce abundant fruit in arid conditions where few other crops could survive.

The date palm was so vital to Mesopotamian civilization that the Code of Hammurabi (circa 1750 BCE) included specific laws regarding date palm ownership, protection, and commerce. These early civilizations understood date palm biology and developed the practice of artificial pollination—a technique still used today.

Historical Touchpoints and Chronology

Specific historical evidence reveals the date’s central role across ancient cultures. Ancient Egypt (3,000 BCE) left hieroglyphic records and tomb paintings depicting date palms and date harvesting. Dates were used as sweeteners, eaten fresh and dried, and fermented into date wine. Ancient Mesopotamia (2,500 BCE) left cuneiform tablets detailing date palm cultivation techniques, harvest timing, and trade values. Dates served as a form of currency and taxation payment.

The date palm appears throughout the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, with the “land of milk and honey” including dates as a primary sweetener. During the Islamic Golden Age (7th-13th centuries CE), Arabic agricultural texts systematically documented hundreds of date varieties, pollination techniques, and cultivation practices. Spanish missionaries introduced date palms to Mexico and California in the 1700s, eventually establishing California’s Coachella Valley as a major date-producing region.

Learn more about how date consumption evolved throughout human history for the most continuous cultivation record of any crop.

The Date Palm in Ancient Trade Routes

Dates were ideal trade commodities due to their natural preservation, high energy density, and nutritional completeness. They sustained caravan traders crossing the Arabian Desert, Silk Road merchants, and North African Berber traders. A single date could provide quick energy, while a handful offered sustenance for hours of desert travel. This portability made dates instrumental in enabling long-distance trade networks that connected Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Explore the dry fruit supply chain from cultivation to your pantry.

The Etymology of “Date” and “Khajur”

The names for dates reflect their ancient Mediterranean and South Asian heritage. The English word “date” comes from the Old French “date,” which derived from Latin dactylus, itself borrowed from Greek dáktylos, meaning “finger”—a reference to the fruit’s elongated, finger-like shape. The Hindi/Urdu word “Khajur” and its variants (Khajoor, Khajar) have Persian and Arabic roots, reflecting the date’s journey into South Asian culture through Persian and Mughal influences. In Arabic, dates are called tamr (تمر).

Where Did Dates Originally Come From?

Dates are believed to have originated in the region around the Persian Gulf, encompassing modern-day Iraq, Kuwait, eastern Saudi Arabia, and possibly parts of southwestern Iran.

How Are Dates Grown? Agronomy and Harvest Cycle

Date palm cultivation represents one of agriculture’s most specialized practices, requiring specific climate conditions, manual pollination expertise, and careful timing across a growing season that spans nearly a full year.

Climate and Growing Regions

Date palms are well-adapted to hot, arid climates. They require:

• Long, hot summers: Temperatures of 32-45°C (90-113°F) during fruit development
• Minimal rainfall: Less than 5 inches annually during fruiting season; excessive humidity causes fruit spoilage
• Abundant water at roots: Despite desert conditions above ground, date palms need consistent irrigation or access to groundwater
• Mild winters: Can tolerate brief frosts but require warm winters for best growth

Major date-producing regions include:

• Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, UAE, Oman (traditional heartland)
• North Africa: Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco
• South Asia: Pakistan, India (particularly Rajasthan and Gujarat)
• North America: California’s Coachella Valley and Bard Valley, parts of Arizona

The Date Palm: A Dioecious Species

One of the most distinctive aspects of date palm biology is that trees are dioecious—individual palms are either male or female, not both. This has profound implications for cultivation:

• Male trees: Produce pollen but no fruit. Commercial orchards typically have 1 male tree per 25-50 female trees.
• Female trees: Produce fruit but require pollen from male trees for fertilization.
• Manual pollination: While wind pollination can occur naturally, commercial date production relies on hand pollination to ensure maximum fruit set and quality. Skilled workers climb tall palms during the brief flowering period to manually dust female flowers with pollen collected from male trees.

This manual pollination tradition, passed down through generations in date-growing regions, is considered both an art and a science.

The Annual Growth Cycle: From Flower to Harvest

1. Dormancy and Flowering (February-April): Date palms emerge from winter dormancy. Flowering occurs in early spring, with both male and female trees producing inflorescences (flower clusters). This is when manual pollination occurs—a critical 2-3 week window.
2. Fruit Set and Initial Growth (April-June): After successful pollination, tiny green dates begin developing. Growers thin fruit clusters, removing excess dates to ensure remaining fruits reach optimal size. Each bunch may start with 1,000+ flowers but is thinned to 300-600 dates.
3. Kimri Stage (June-August): Dates grow rapidly but remain hard, green, and astringent due to high tannin content. Dates at this stage are inedible for most varieties.
4. Khalal Stage (August-September): Dates reach full size and color transitions occur—depending on variety, fruits turn yellow, red, or remain green. At this stage, dates are crunchy and mildly sweet. Some varieties are consumed at this stage (particularly Barhee dates).
5. Rutab Stage (September-October): Dates begin to soften from the tip downward as moisture content decreases and sugars concentrate. The fruit develops a softer, partially dried texture. Some varieties are preferred at this stage.
6. Tamar Stage (October-December): Dates reach full maturity, with moisture content dropping to 20-25%. The fruit is now shelf-stable, deeply sweet, and fully developed in flavor. This is when most varieties are harvested.

Harvesting Methods

Dates are typically harvested in one of several ways:

• Manual cluster cutting: Entire fruit bunches are cut from the tree while still on the stalk, then lowered by rope. This is the most common method for premium varieties.
• Individual fruit picking: Workers climb trees and hand-pick dates at specific ripeness stages, particularly for varieties consumed at Khalal or Rutab stages.
• Net catching: For fully dried dates, nets are spread beneath trees to catch naturally falling fruit, though this method is less common for commercial production.

Date palms begin producing fruit 4-8 years after planting and reach full production at 10-15 years. A mature palm can produce 100-300 pounds of dates annually and remain productive for 100+ years.

What Does a Date Taste, Smell, and Feel Like? (A Sensory Profile)

A sensory scientist would describe the date’s profile as one of the most intensely sweet natural foods, with flavor complexity that varies dramatically by variety, ripeness stage, and moisture content—ranging from crisp and mildly sweet to soft, caramel-rich, and almost honey-like.

Taste: The Spectrum from Mild to Intensely Sweet

Dates are among nature’s sweetest foods, with sugar content reaching 60-80% of dry weight at the Tamar stage. The primary sugars are glucose and fructose (rapidly absorbed simple sugars) and sucrose (present in varying ratios depending on variety and ripeness).

The base flavor profile varies dramatically by ripening stage. Kimri (unripe) dates are astringent, bitter, and generally inedible. Khalal (crunchy) dates are mildly sweet, crisp, fresh, with slightly grassy or coconut-like notes. Rutab (soft-ripe) dates show developing sweetness with complex fruit notes and beginning caramel development. Tamar (fully ripe) dates are intensely sweet and concentrated, with dominant caramel, toffee, honey, and butterscotch notes.

Different date varieties express distinct flavor profiles. Medjool offers rich, deep caramel sweetness with brown sugar and maple notes. Deglet Noor provides delicate, honey-like sweetness with subtle nutty undertones. Ajwa has a prune-like flavor with mild sweetness and slight earthiness. Barhee at Khalal stage is mildly sweet and crisp with distinct coconut and butterscotch notes.

Aroma and Texture

The aroma intensifies dramatically as dates ripen, from light and fresh at Khalal stage to deep caramel, toffee, and honey notes at Tamar stage. Texture varies enormously based on moisture content, from crisp and crunchy (Khalal) to very soft and creamy (soft dates like Medjool) to firm and chewy (semi-dry like Deglet Noor).

Understanding these texture profiles helps in selecting dates for specific culinary applications.

What Do Dates Taste Like?

Dates taste intensely sweet with rich caramel, honey, and toffee flavors. Soft varieties like Medjool have deep, complex sweetness similar to caramel or maple syrup, while semi-dry varieties like Deglet Noor offer more delicate honey-like sweetness.

What Are the Major Varieties of Dates?

Over 3,000 date varieties are cultivated worldwide, but a select group dominates international commerce, regional traditions, and consumer preferences.

Global Premium Varieties

Use our Dry Fruit Comparison Tool to compare nutritional differences between date varieties.

What Is the Difference Between Medjool and Deglet Noor Dates?

Medjool dates are large, very soft, and intensely sweet with deep caramel flavor; Deglet Noor dates are smaller, firmer, less sweet with delicate honey flavor. Medjools are premium eating dates; Deglet Noors are more economical and better for baking.

How Are Dates Processed After Harvest?

The journey from palm to consumer involves careful handling, cleaning, sorting, and sometimes additional processing to optimize quality, safety, and shelf life.

Primary Post-Harvest Steps

1. Initial Sorting and Cleaning: Dates are sorted immediately after harvest to remove debris, stems, and damaged fruit. This may involve manual inspection or mechanical sorting equipment.
2. Washing (when applicable): Dates destined for fresh consumption are gently washed to remove dust, dirt, and any surface contaminants. This is particularly relevant for dates grown in dusty desert environments.
3. Fumigation/Pasteurization: To eliminate insects and potential pathogens, dates may undergo fumigation (using methyl bromide or phosphine gas) or heat treatment. In some countries, this is mandatory for export products.
4. Further Drying (for some varieties): Dates harvested at the Rutab stage may require additional sun-drying or mechanical drying to reach the desired moisture content for the Tamar stage. This is done in controlled conditions to prevent spoilage.
5. Grading and Sizing: Dates are sorted by size, color, appearance, and quality into Grade A/Fancy, Grade B/Choice, or Grade C/Standard categories.
6. Pitting (for pitted dates): Mechanical pitters remove seeds from dates intended for consumer convenience or further processing.

Value-Added Date Products

Beyond whole dates, the industry produces numerous processed products:

Date Paste: Made by grinding pitted dates (sometimes with water) into a smooth paste. Used as a natural sweetener in food manufacturing and home cooking.

Date Syrup (Dibs, Silan): Produced by extracting juice from dates and reducing it to a thick syrup. Traditional process involves soaking dates, pressing to extract juice, and slow-cooking to concentrate. Used as a natural liquid sweetener similar to honey or maple syrup.

Date Sugar: Made by drying and grinding whole dates into a granular form. Unlike regular sugar, it retains all the fiber and nutrients of whole dates but doesn’t dissolve easily in liquids.

How to Use Dates in Different Culinary Forms

Dates’ natural sweetness, rich flavor, and varied textures make them remarkably versatile across both traditional Middle Eastern/North African cuisines and modern global cooking applications.

Whole Dates and Stuffed Dates

The most traditional way to enjoy dates is whole, either with or without the pit. Premium soft varieties (Medjool, Ajwa, Barhi) are prized as luxury snacks. In Arab culture, serving dates with Arabic coffee or tea is a fundamental gesture of welcome.

Stuffed dates are popular appetizers: cream cheese or goat cheese with herbs, almonds or walnuts, nut butter, marzipan, or blue cheese wrapped in bacon. Create your own custom dry fruit gifting basket with dates as the centerpiece.

Dates in Savory Cooking

Despite their sweetness, dates enhance savory dishes through sweet-savory contrast. Moroccan tagines feature slow-cooked meat stews with dates. Middle Eastern rice pilafs incorporate dates with nuts and aromatic spices. Modern applications include chopped dates in grain salads, roasted vegetable dishes, and cheese boards.

Dates in Baking and Energy Foods

Dates function as both sweetener and structural ingredient in baking. Traditional uses include date cookies, sticky toffee pudding, and Ma’amoul (filled shortbread cookies). Modern health-focused applications feature dates in smoothies, energy balls, and no-bake bars where dates serve as the primary binder and sweetener.

Explore how to make healthy homemade trail mixes featuring dates.

Date Paste and Date Syrup

Date paste replaces refined sugar in health-conscious baking. Date syrup (Dibs/Silan) offers a liquid natural sweetener used as a honey alternative, drizzled over pancakes, or in salad dressings. Date syrup is often reported to have a lower glycemic response than some refined sweeteners, though individual responses vary. Learn more about natural vs. added sugars in dry fruits.

Date Nutrition at a Glance

While this article focuses on history, botany, and culinary aspects, a compact nutritional snapshot provides context for dates’ reputation as a highly nutritious but calorie-dense food.

Nutritional Table (Per 100g of Deglet Noor dates, pitted)

*Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Dates have a moderate glycemic index (GI 42-55) but high glycemic load per serving due to concentrated sugars. Explore glycemic properties of various dry fruits for detailed comparisons.

Calculate appropriate portions using our Portion Size Recommender.

How Should You Store Dates? Storage and Shelf Life Guide

Proper storage is key to maintain date quality, prevent spoilage, and maximize shelf life. Storage requirements vary significantly based on date type and moisture content.

Storage Guidelines by Date Type

For detailed guidance, see our Complete Shelf Life Guide for Dry Fruits, Nuts, and Seeds.

Are Dates Safe? Food Safety and Considerations

Dates are generally very safe for consumption, but certain food safety practices and health considerations ensure best safety and appropriate consumption.

Microbial Safety and Contamination Risks

Dates’ high sugar content and low water activity create an environment hostile to most pathogenic bacteria. Yet certain contamination risks exist:

• Field contamination: Dates can be exposed to dust, insects, bird droppings, and environmental contaminants during growth and harvest
• Processing contamination: Improper handling during processing can introduce pathogens
• Storage contamination: Improper storage, especially high moisture conditions, can lead to mold growth

Should You Wash Dates Before Eating?

Commercially packaged dates: Generally pre-washed and processed; rinsing is optional but recommended if you’re concerned about potential residues.

Bulk bin dates or unpacked dates: Should be rinsed under cool running water before eating to remove dust and potential surface contaminants.

Allergies and Sensitivities

Date allergies are very rare but do occur. Unlike tree nut allergies, date allergy is uncommon and typically mild. Symptoms may include oral itching or tingling, mild hives or skin reactions, or digestive discomfort.

Sulfite sensitivity: Some commercially processed dates may be treated with sulfites as preservatives. Individuals sensitive to sulfites should look for “sulfite-free” or “organic” labels.

Are Dates Sustainable? Environmental Considerations

Date cultivation presents both environmental challenges and benefits, with water use being the primary concern.

Date palms require substantial water (100-125 cm annually) despite desert adaptation. Many date-producing regions face water scarcity and depleting aquifers. Yet date palms are salt-tolerant, can use brackish water, and provide high caloric yield per unit water. Modern drip irrigation significantly reduces water use.

Positive aspects include carbon sequestration in long-lived trees (100+ years), desert ecosystem support through oasis creation, and soil erosion prevention. Understanding sustainability challenges in dry fruit production provides context.

The date industry also involves intensive manual labor for pollination and harvest, raising social sustainability concerns about fair wages and working conditions. Fair trade date initiatives are emerging to address these issues.

Global Date Trade and Economics

The date industry represents a multi-billion dollar global market with profound economic significance in producing regions, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa where dates are culturally and economically central.

Global Production and Major Producers

World date production has grown steadily, reaching about 9-9.5 million metric tons annually. Production is highly concentrated geographically:

• Egypt: World’s largest producer (about 17-18% of global production)
• Saudi Arabia: Second largest producer (about 15-16%)
• Iran: Third largest producer (about 13-14%)
• Iraq: Historically major producer (about 6-7%)
• Algeria: Major producer (about 10-11%)

Price Dynamics and Market Segmentation

Date prices vary enormously based on variety, quality, origin, and market segment. Economy dates cost $2-5 per kg wholesale, mid-range dates $8-15 per kg retail, premium dates $20-40 per kg retail, and ultra-premium dates $40-100+ per kg retail.

For perspective on dry fruit pricing dynamics, dates provide an instructive case study with dramatic premium-to-economy price ranges.

What Is the Cultural and Religious Significance of Dates?

Perhaps no food carries deeper cultural and spiritual meaning across such a vast geography as the date, which holds sacred status in multiple world religions.

In Islamic Tradition

Dates hold exceptional religious significance in Islam. The Quran mentions dates and date palms over 20 times. Prophet Muhammad recommended breaking the fast with dates, stating: “When one of you breaks his fast, let him break it with dates, for they are a blessing.”

Breaking the fast with dates during Ramadan is one of Islam’s most widely practiced traditions. Iftar traditionally begins with eating 3 dates, following the Prophet’s example. Ajwa dates from Medina are especially revered, with Prophet Muhammad attributing special health benefits to them.

In Jewish Tradition

The date palm holds significant symbolism in Judaism. The “land flowing with milk and honey” likely refers to date honey (date syrup), the primary sweetener in ancient Israel. During Sukkot, Jews wave the Four Species including the lulav (palm frond) from date palms. The date palm was an emblem of ancient Judea, appearing on coins and seals.

In Christianity and Arab Culture

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem when crowds waved palm branches, often associated with date palms. In Christian art, the date palm represents resurrection and eternal life.

In Arab culture, offering dates with Arabic coffee is a fundamental gesture of hospitality. The date palm symbolizes resilience, abundance, and divine blessing in desert conditions. Explore the role of dry fruits in global cuisine to understand dates’ cultural impact.

Why Are Dates Eaten During Ramadan?

Dates are eaten to break the fast during Ramadan following the practice of Prophet Muhammad, who recommended them for their immediate energy, ease of digestion, and blessed status in Islamic tradition.

Who Should Avoid or Limit Dates?

• Diabetes / prediabetes: Limit to small portions (1-2 dates); pair with protein or fat to slow absorption; monitor blood glucose response closely.
• Low-FODMAP diets / IBS: Dates are high-FODMAP and may trigger digestive symptoms; test individual tolerance carefully.
• Dental health concerns: Very sticky texture increases cavity risk; rinse mouth or brush teeth after eating.
• Potassium-restricted diets: High potassium content (656mg per 100g); consult your healthcare provider if on dialysis or taking potassium-sparing medications.
• Weight management: Calorie-dense (282 kcal per 100g); measure portions carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dates

Are dates good for you?

Yes, dates are nutritious, providing fiber, potassium, magnesium, antioxidants, and quick energy. Yet they’re calorie-dense and very high in sugar (60-80% by weight), so portion control matters.

How many dates should you eat per day?

A moderate serving is 2-4 dates per day (about 40-80g), providing 100-200 calories. Individual needs vary based on activity level and health status. People with diabetes should consult healthcare providers.

What is the difference between Medjool and Deglet Noor dates?

Medjool dates are large, very soft, and intensely sweet with deep caramel flavor; Deglet Noor dates are smaller, firmer, with delicate honey flavor. Medjools cost $10-20/lb; Deglet Noors $4-8/lb.

Do dates need to be refrigerated?

Soft dates (Medjool, Ajwa) should be refrigerated after opening for 6-12 months shelf life. Semi-dry dates (Deglet Noor) can be stored in pantry for 3-6 months or refrigerated longer.

Can you eat dates with the pit?

No, the pit must be removed before eating. It’s hard and inedible—biting it could damage teeth. Always remove pits, especially for children.

What’s the white stuff on my dates?

If crystalline and powdery, it’s natural sugar crystallization—completely safe and a sign of quality in varieties like Sukkari. If fuzzy, it’s mold and should be discarded.

Can dates go bad?

Yes, dates can spoil. Signs include fermented/alcoholic smell, sour taste, or visible mold. Properly stored dates last 6-12 months (soft varieties refrigerated) or 12-18 months (dry varieties in pantry).

Are dates suitable for diabetics?

Dates can be consumed by diabetics in very careful moderation with blood sugar monitoring. They have moderate GI (42-55) but high sugar content. Consult healthcare providers; generally limit to 1-2 dates per serving.

Can you substitute dates for sugar in baking?

Yes, date paste can replace refined sugar in many recipes. Use 1 cup date paste for 1 cup sugar; reduce liquid by 1/4 cup; reduce oven temperature by 25°F. Works well in cookies, muffins, energy bars.

Why do dates make you need the bathroom?

Dates are high in fiber (7-8g per 100g) and contain natural sugars that have a mild laxative effect. This supports healthy digestion but eating too many can cause discomfort.

Can dogs eat dates?

Dates are not toxic to dogs but should only be given in very small quantities as rare treats. Remove pits completely, offer only 1-2 small pieces, and monitor for reactions.

Are dates Paleo-friendly?

Yes, dates are Paleo-friendly as an unprocessed whole fruit. Commonly used as natural sweetener in Paleo baking. Yet consume in moderation due to high sugar content.

How do you pit dates easily?

Make a lengthwise slit with a small knife and push the pit out with your finger. Use a date pitter tool for faster processing, or squeeze firmly for dates being chopped or blended.

Can you freeze dates?

Yes, dates freeze well for 12-18 months. Place in airtight freezer bags. Use directly from frozen in smoothies or thaw for 20-30 minutes for eating.

What’s the difference between dates and prunes?

Dates are fruit from date palm trees; prunes are dried plums. They’re completely different species. Dates are sweeter (60-80% sugar vs. 38%) with caramel flavor; prunes have tart-sweet fruit flavor.

Why are dates called dates?

From Latin dactylus, from Greek daktylos meaning “finger,” referring to the fruit’s finger-like shape. No connection to calendar dates.

Do dates have protein?

Dates contain minimal protein—about 2-2.5g per 100g. They’re primarily a carbohydrate/sugar source valued for quick energy, fiber, and minerals rather than protein.

Can you eat date pits?

No, date pits are inedible and hard. Yet they have other uses: ground for animal feed, processed into activated carbon, or composted.

Why are Medjool dates so expensive?

Due to labor-intensive cultivation, limited growing regions, high quality standards, and historical scarcity. Nearly went extinct in 1900s Morocco. Prices typically $10-20/lb vs. $4-8/lb for Deglet Noor.

What are Khalal dates?

Khalal is the crunchy, fresh stage when dates are yellow/orange/red, crisp like apples, and mildly sweet. Barhi is the premier variety for Khalal consumption. Available only briefly in late summer, highly perishable.

Can pregnant women eat dates?

Yes, dates are generally safe and potentially beneficial during pregnancy in moderation. Research suggests eating dates in late pregnancy may help with cervical ripening. Discuss portions with healthcare provider if gestational diabetes is a concern.

Can babies eat dates?

Yes, dates can be introduced around 6-8 months. Puree or mash to prevent choking, remove pit completely, start with small amounts. Consult pediatrician about timing and quantity.