Description

ABOUT

Dates or palm dates, also known as Phoenix dactylifera, have a chewy texture and a candy-like taste. They’ve long been known as an energetic staple food, and they’re sometimes referred to as “cake of the poor” or “bread of the dessert.”

Dates, popularly known as Khajur in India, are commonly selected while they are in the dry stage, but they are distinctive in that they go through numerous stages of maturity. Dates have a firm and crunchy texture that is juicy and only slightly sweet, also known as khalal stage of ripeness. The date becomes sweeter and less firm as it ripens, and it is generally sold when it reaches the tamarstage(fully ripe). The rutabstage (partially ripe), when they are particularly soft and delicious, is preferred by the majority of date lovers.

Dates are delicious on their own as a dessert. Dates’ sweetness pairs well with a variety of savoury foods, including cheese, meat, and vegetables. They have a lengthy shelf life because they are dried, readily kept, and transportable, making them perfect for extended journeys.

Mostly grown in tropical areas, are immunity-boosting foods that can help you lose weight without reducing your sugar intake. In fact, dried Medjool and Deglet Noor dates, both of which are incredibly nutritious dates, are frequently found in stores. Dates or date palms (sweeter than honey) are nutritious nuggets (growing on sky-high trees) that provide several benefits such as being high in iron, vitamins B1, B2, A1, and C, lowering cholesterol, and helping digestion.

HISTORY 

Dates are thought to have originated in the Middle East, and there are over 3,000 kinds, according to culinary experts. Because of its extensive cultivation, the date palm’s origin is unknown. Some sources claim it is native to the Fertile Crescent region, which straddles Egypt and Mesopotamia, while others claim it is native to the Persian Gulf region or perhaps western India. The date palm has been around for at least 50 million years, according to history.

A palm date has 4 stages of ripening and at each stage the date fruit has different taste. Below are the stages of ripening 

1.    Khalal

These young dates have a strong green skin and are often bitter due to their high tannin (complex chemical substances derived from phenolic acids sometimes called tannic acid) content. 

2.    Bessar

Depending on the type, the hard skin turns brilliant yellow or red. The powerful tannins can be overpowering, despite the higher sugar level. 

3.    Rotab 

Fresh dates are at their best at this point. As the fruit ripens, the hard skin softens and turns brown at the tip, travelling up the fruit. The tannins in the fruit break down as the fruit softens, making the dates juicier and sweeter. Many people love the half-soft, half-firm stage because it provides a sweet juiciness combined with a somewhat crunchy texture.  

4.    Tamar

Dates that are fully ripe and dried, and are extremely delicious and juicy.

TYPES OF DATES OR KHAJUR POPULAR IN INDIA 

1.     Zahidi

2.     Khadrawi

3.     Barhee

4.     Hayany

5.     Deglet

6.     Kimia

7.     Hallawi

8.     Medjool

HOW MANY DATES CAN BE CONSUMED IN A DAY

Several health professionals recommend eating 4-6 dates per day or a handful of dates everyday to get all the essential nutrients, since the quantity of dates to be consumed will vary from person to person based on calorie requirements and health conditions.  

HOW CAN DATES BE INCLUDED IN YOUR DAILY DIET  

To make a healthy choice, add a few chopped dates to your glass of milk or dessert, or simply add them to your smoothies, shakes and cakes for sweetness. This will keep you satiated and also provide you nutrition.

BENEFITS OF DATES OR KHAJUR

Our health is very important to us. And to maintain a good health we should adopt healthy practices and follow the same.

• Rich in protein  

Experts promote protein, and we all know how good it is for our bodies and overall wellness. Dates are high in proteins, which can help us stay in shape and keep our muscles strong. Many people who are regular to gym are suggested to have few of dates every day as part of their daily routine. Consuming dates soaked in milk have a high amount of protein, combining the two results in increased bone density and overall muscular health.  

• Vitamin-packed 

Vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B5, as well as A1 and C, are all abundant in dates. You won’t require vitamin pills if you eat a few dates every day. Because dates include natural sugars like glucose, sucrose, and fructose, it will not only keep you healthy, but it will also make a visible difference in your energy levels. As a result, it’s ideal for a quick snack.

• Rich in iron 

Dates include iron, which is highly suggested for those who suffer from iron deficiency, in addition to the fluorine that keeps your teeth healthy. Severe iron deficiency includes fatigue or exhaustion, shortness of breath, or chest pain, anaemia. It’s also beneficial for blood cleansing.     

• Rich in natural sugar

 Because dates are abundant in natural sugar, many people believe they are unhealthy. These sweet fruits, on the other hand, are high in nutrients and make a good snack when consumed in moderation. 

• Improves skin

Dates are high in vitamin C and D, which helps to preserve skin suppleness and smoothness. Dates also have anti-aging effects and help to reduce melanin build-up.