Why You Should Make Date Your Favourite Fruit
Why You Should Make Date Your Favourite Fruit
By Okunlala Christiana Omolola
Dates, obtained from the date palm tree, are sweet, elongated fruits containing a single pit. They are widely consumed in many regions around the world, especially in dry areas, and can be enjoyed at different stages of their maturation. Dates are recognized for their nutritional properties, boasting high levels of fiber, antioxidants, and various essential vitamins and minerals.
Key Features:
The Scientific Name for dates is Phoenix dactylifera L. The fruit has an oblong shape, one-seed berry.
Dates have different ripening stages and can be eaten at various points, such as Khalal (unripe), Rutab (ripe), and Tamr (fully mature).
Dates are known to have high nutritional contents, including high in dietary fiber, phenolic antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. There are more than 2000 different varieties of dates, differing in size, color, and flavor.
Uses and Advantages:
Dates are featured in numerous culinary uses, including eating fresh, pickling, making chutney, jam, and incorporating into baked goods and sweets.
They provide a rich source of antioxidants and may offer a range of health benefits, such as enhancing cognitive function, supporting heart health, and assisting digestive health. Dates have been utilized in traditional medicine for various applications.
Some research indicates that dates might be helpful in the later stages of pregnancy, possibly aiding in cervical dilation and decreasing the likelihood of needing induced labor.
Dates might contribute positively to sexual health by potentially reducing the chance of erectile dysfunction, boosting libido, and improving fertility.
There are important things to note about dates. For instance, dates should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several months, or even longer if frozen. Avoid dates that emit a sour odor, feel excessively hard, or have sugar crystals forming on their surface. These are indicators of spoilage.
