Medjool dates are a type of fruit that grows on date palms. The cultivation of dates probably started in the middle east about 6 to 8 thousand years ago. The date has been an important food source for the people of the middle east for those 6 to 8 thousand years and was considered the bread of the desert. Dates have been s a staple food in the middle east and have allowed civilizations to flourish. The biggest date is the Medjool date, it is considered the King of dates. It is much larger than other dates and it is very sweet.
The Medjool date has also been known as the crown jewel of dates. At one time it was reserved for royalty. Now a days everyone can consume it and it is probably the most popular date everywhere. The fruit is a golden brown, very sweet and soft. At the center of the medjool date is an oval shaped bit which is easily removed. Sometimes Medjool dates are used to make honey. The biblical references in the Bible may be and probably are references to Medjool date honey and not bee honey.
The Medjool date like all other dates are exceptional for eating in terms of nutritional content. The Medjool date contains a mere 66 calories or so per each date, they have a lot of fiber and contain very large amounts of potassium, magnesium, copper, and manganese. Dates have more potassium than bananas and any other fruit. Dates also have cleansing qualities and anti cancer properties.
Dates were not grown in the US until the early 1900′s when they were first introduced. The date palm does not produce fruit for many years and has to be started from shoots. Dates cannot be grown commercially from seed. Seeds produce irregular fruit and inferior fruit. The proper way for producing virtually identical fruit is to take shoots from the parent palm and transplant them. Once transplanted the long wait begins. About seven years later the shoot begins to produce fruit. Medjool dates are very labor intensive from the planting to the production of the actual fruit and this reflected in the cost difference between a Medjool date and other types of dates. Despite the significance price differences, <a href=”http://www.medjool-dates.com”>Medjool dates</a> are much more sought out than other dates.
Dates were first grown in the US in a small community called Mecca, California. From there they spread out into other parts of Southern California in what is now called the Coachella Valley. Arizona has similar climate and likewise has grown in popularity for growing dates. The majority of dates sold in the US are grown in California. About 90% of all dates sold in the US come from California. Arizona has been leading grower of Medjool dates and in the future may overtake California in date production.
Dates are commonly given as gifts during Christmas and are also an integral part of Islamic tradition. During Ramadan in August dates are consumed on a regular, if not daily, basis. Dates are not commonly eaten during the holidays, because they are harvested around October and widely available in November and December, but they are available year round. Most dates are eaten plain, but often are integrated into many types of recipes and desserts. Dates are also often used as a healthier alternative to sugar or molasses.
Buy and eat medjool dates they are good for you.
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