Dried Dates are Amazing Ancient Fruits from Mesopotamia

From its origin to its present-day popularity, the date is an interesting fruit to get acquainted with. It is believed that the date palm tree existed, and dates were first cultivated around the fifth millennium in Mesopotamia. From there, dates have made a long and interesting journey.

The Early Days

In historic times, dates became an energizing food eaten by people as they traveled around the Middle East. There are some interesting stories related to how various types of dates got their name. There are also stories describing how dates were used in sacred ceremonies. Their journey from Mesopotamia to the California desert took many years. There were attempts to grow dates in Cuba in 1513, but most of those attempts failed. Greater success was achieved when date seedlings were planted in Mexico, Arizona, and southern California.

Comparison of Date Varieties

Medjool dates and Deglet Noor dates are the two most commonly grown and frequently consumed dried dates in the United States. There are visual differences between these two varieties of dried dates. Medjool dates are the larger of the two varieties. They are a lighter brown color and have thicker skin than Noor dates. There is a small difference in the nutritional value of these two types of dates. The Medjool variety has fewer calories than Noor dates.

Adding Dried Dates to Your Diet

Keeping dates dry fruit and nuts on hand is a great way to boost the nutritional value of snacks and meals you prepare. Chopped dates can easily be added to baked goods, snack mixes, breakfast cereal, trail mix and in many other culinary ways. Seedless dates are a healthy way to make a Charcuterie board more impressive. Seedless dates can be used as a sweetener when making a smoothie or milkshake. Dates dry fruit of various kinds, and all types of nuts should be on the shelf of your pantry if your focus is on eating foods that boost overall wellness. Dates contain more polyphenols than most other fruits. They are high in potassium and fiber. This sweet, chewy fruit can be eaten as a naturally sweet replacement for unhealthy, sugar-laden snacks.