Dorothy FarrarDates
The date is native to Persian Gold and belongs to the palm family. The high-energy fruit is available in dried, fresh and frozen form and is a good snack between meals. Already many years before Christ it was used for sleep disorders.
Here’s what you should know about dates
The date belongs to the palm family and is native to the Persian Gulf. The date is one of the oldest trees in the world. Its cultivation dates back to 3000 years before Christ. Nowadays it is grown in the area from Pakistan to North Africa. The plant can grow up to 30 meters high and bear several hundred fruits. These are ripe after five to six months. The date tree is adorned with deciduous leaves and prefers a warm, sunny climate.
In terms of botany, dates belong to the berries. They have a sweet flesh and can grow up to three inches long. There are around 400 types of dates. The leathery skin protects the inside of the fruit and is light to dark brown, sometimes golden yellow to dark red in colour.
Peak season of dates is September to January. Fruits available in Germany mostly come from Tunisia. Other growing areas include Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iran. The date is very rich in energy and is therefore also called “bread of the desert” in the Orient.
importance to health
Dates have a high sugar content and thus provide the body with a fast, constant supply of energy. The consumption of dates is particularly suitable for endurance and strength athletes or people with increased energy requirements. The sugar contained in the fruit causes the blood sugar level to rise rather slowly and in a concentrated manner. This circumstance avoids unwanted blood sugar spikes.
The carbohydrate content is also beneficial for concentration. Dates are easy to digest. Due to their high fiber content, they promote digestion and have a positive effect on intestinal health . Fiber-rich foods help to lower cholesterol levels and can thus prevent the resulting chronic diseases.
Dates contain the amino acid trytophan. This protein is converted into melatonin in the body and bound to nerve cells . Melatonin has a relaxing effect and can help with insomnia . Potassium contained in dates regulates the water balance in the body and has a positive effect on the autonomic nervous system and blood sugar levels. Dates promote metabolism .
Ingredients & nutritional values
With 280 kilocalories per 100 grams, dates have a high energy value. They contain around 65 grams of carbohydrates and only small traces of fat per 100 grams. The carbohydrates are in the form of glucose and fructose. The fruit is also rich in fiber and vitamins from the B group. Dates also contain vitamins A and C. Minerals such as zinc , phosphorus, iron and magnesium are other ingredients in dates. The high potassium content is particularly noteworthy. An average date contains about 650 mg of the substance. It is therefore one of the most potassium-rich fruits. Dates also contain the amino acid trytophan.
intolerances
In the case of an intolerance, the human organism develops a hypersensitivity reaction to certain foods. An allergy to dates is rather rare. However, allergy-like symptoms such as swelling of the lips or slight breathing difficulties are possible.
If you have an intolerance to dates, caution should also be exercised when eating similar foods. Dates, like coconuts , sago and the oil palm, belong to the palm family. In the case of date intolerance, foods such as margarine, oil or cosmetic products made from coconut oil should therefore also be avoided.
Shopping and kitchen tips
Dates are now available in almost every supermarket. Turkish and Arabic traders in particular have the fruit on offer. Dates are available in fresh, dried and frozen form. Fresh dates should be eaten quickly, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
The higher the sugar content, the longer the fruit will keep. When dried, the fruit can be kept for up to a year or more. Thawed dates should be eaten within a week. In general, the fruit should be stored dry and dark.
Good quality fruits are sweet, soft and very aromatic. When buying, you should make sure that the fruit is plump and shiny and has a slightly sticky skin.
Preparation tips
Since dates are very rich in energy, they are well suited to be eaten raw as a snack. The fruits are also a good ingredient for baked goods. Thanks to their very sweet taste, they are a healthy substitute for chocolate and other sweets. The fruit is also good for making a smoothie.
The juice concentrate can be used as a sweetener or in the production of palm wine. The date gives hearty oriental dishes an aromatic taste. Furthermore, dates can be filled with marzipan, cream cheese, nougat and nuts and offered at a cold buffet.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.