The fruit of the date palm tree, dates are most frequently eaten in Middle Eastern cuisines and probably originated in North Africa and the Persian Gulf region.
Dates are considered "drupes," or fruits with outer, edible flesh and an inner pit, which envelops the seed. In this association, dates are comparable to coconuts and peaches.
Health Benefits
Dates are very good sources of dietary fiber, with just three ounces of dates providing almost eight grams. Adult men and women are urged to consume 25-30 grams of fiber per day to help balance the digestive system and lower cholesterol. Just a handful of dates also provides more than two grams of protein.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Cultivated in the Middle East for millennia
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Top Date Producers
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Fact:
The date palm is known as Phoenix dactylifera
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The tree bears fruit about seven years after planting
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Once mature, they can produce over 200 lbs of dates per season
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Often stuffed with cream cheese or marzipan
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A common ingredient in the Yiddish rugelach
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Mixed with yogurt in most Middle Eastern cultures
