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The Incredible Edible Date:

Nutitional facts for 1 date:

Calories:                           66…  0 from fat

Carbohydrates              18 grams

Fiber                                   2 grams

Sugar                                 16 grams

Vitamin A                         35.8 IU

Iron                                     .2mg

Folate                                  3.6 mcg

Calcium                               15.4 mg

Magnesium                         13.0 mg

Choline                                2.4 mg

Phosphorous                     14.9 mg

Potassium                           167 mg

Trace amounts of Vitamin K, Niacin, Vitamin B6,

Has zero fat, protein, cholesterol, sodium, Pantothenic Acid, Betaine,  and Zinc.

Phoenix dactylifera is the name used to describe the Date Palm,

Origination:  Probably originated somewhere in the desert oasis of N. Africa and Southwest Asia.

Preparation:  Dates can be eaten directly from the tree, dried or soft.  Often people pit them and stuff them with items like fruit or nuts, most commonly, almonds, walnuts, candied orange and lemon peel, or cream cheese.   Dates can also be cut into little pieces and used in dishes such as breads, puddings, and many other desserts as an ingredient or topping..

Dates can also be processed into a thick paste or spread, vinegar or alcohol.  Many people enjoy it in shakes, covered in chocolate, and juices. Dates can also be dehydrated, ground and mixed with grain to be fed as stock feed. They are often fed to dogs, horses, and camels.

The date is considered to be an ideal food containing a wide range of essential nutrients and potential health benefits. The sugar content of ripe dates is about 80%; the remainder consists of protein, fat and mineral products including copper, sulfur, iron, and magnesium.  Dates are high in fiber and an excellent source of potassium.

Dates Fruit Medjool Dates