The influence of date cultivation on the history of the Middle East region is undoubted. The cultivation provided a food supply that was able to sustain large populations in the harsh desert environment.
At present, roughly 100 million date palm trees growing in the world in over 30 countries. Between 2.5 and 4 million tonnes of fruit are produced annually, most of which are consumed in the countries in which the cultivation occurs.
The main product of the date palm tree is the date palm fruit which can be consumed when fresh, dried or in various processed forms. The fruit can be harvested when it is at different stages of ripening, depending on the use for which it is intended. The date palm fruit is a traditional food staple across the regions where it is grown.
Here is what dates actually contain:
Bone minerals :
Dates contain boron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium.
Fiber content :
Dates have a high fiber content.
Vitamin B6 :
Dates contain Vitamin B6.
Energy content :
Dates contain fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamins, and antioxidant compounds, along with natural sugars (glucose and fructose).
Potassium content :
Dates are an abundant source of potassium.
Fiber and digestion :
Dates contain fiber, which is one part of a balanced diet.