Dates are associated with fasting & the month of Ramadan. The nutritious fruits are not only the start of iftar meals but also a part of many desserts prepared during the holy month.
Dates are the fruit of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) tree, which is most widely cultivated in the Middle East, North Africa, Central Africa, Southern Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Historians believe that dates are an ancient fruit, and their cultivation dates back to around 8,000 years ago. There are many varieties of dates, with different shapes and flavors; however, all of them are rich in nutrition.
Dates are a popular food not just in the Middle East but all over the world. They have amazing nutritional properties, and just a few dates can keep you energised for hours, one of the many reasons people buy them. The popularity of dates reaches its peak in Ramadan, when Muslims worldwide buy kilos worth of dates for their homes.
• Dates are also particularly beneficial during Ramadan because they are high in sugar and vitamins such as potassium and magnesium as well as an excellent source of fiber and carbohydrates.
• Dates are also known to help with digestion & can prevent an upset stomach when eating large amounts of food after a long period without eating. When not fasting, consumption of dates before a meal will satisfy the sensation of hunger, which in turn helps to avoid overeating.
There are different types of dates & their benefits range from amazing taste to improving health.
Ajwa Dates
Also known as the ‘Holy Dates’ they hold a great importance in Islamic tradition. This delicious date comes in dark brown to almost a black colour texture. Ajwa Dates have a sweet-fruity flavour & are also very well known to boost your immunity.
Medjool Dates
They are larger in size and with a very small seed. These soft dates have a rich, almost caramel-like taste and chewy texture. One is enough to fill you up &provide you with tons of vitamins. Sweet & delicious, they help to make your immune system strong.
Mabroom Dates
A sweet delight to your tastebuds. They are sweetest of all the dates and have a sticky feel to them. Mabroom dates are packed with zinc and magnesium. This treat has a mild toffee-like flavor.
Black Omani Dates
These dates work as a natural sweetener & are a great replacement for artificial sweeteners. Also known for improving blood quality & hemoglobin. Include Omani dates with your breakfast and notice the improvement in your strength.
Kalmi Dates
Dark coloured dates they are a nutritious and sweet delight to eat. They are high in potassium & known to help in improving bone health.
During Ramadan dates are topped and garnished with chocolate, coconut, crushed nuts or chopped up dried fruits and given as gifts.
