Dates

Dates are the fruits of plants belonging to the palm family. They are widely used in cooking and have many health benefits. In this article, we will look at general information about dates and their distribution around the world, as well as the history of their use in nutrition.

Origin and distribution of dates

Dates were developed in ancient Mesopotamia, and since then they have been bred and grown around the world. Today, dates are grown in many countries with a warm climate, such as Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, Morocco, Spain, USA, Australia, etc. Date palms are the most common palm trees in the world, they are grown in more than 100 countries . Iran is the world's largest producer of dates, accounting for about 20% of the world's total production. The US is the world's largest consumer of dates, while in Europe dates are most popular in Italy and Spain.

Types of dates

There are over 200 different types of dates, but not all of them are equally common in the world. Some of the most popular types of dates include:

1.      Medjool: A large and juicy date with a dark brown skin.
2.      Degle: A medium-sized date with a thin skin and a sweet taste.
3.      Zachary: A red-brown date with a thin skin and a sweet taste.
4.      Barchy: A small and sweet date with a dark brown skin.

Dates were one of the first known human food sources. They were used in Egypt over 5,000 years ago, and since then dates have been an important staple in the culinary arts of many cultures.

How to use dates correctly?

Dates can be consumed in various forms - fresh, dried, boiled or roasted. They are often used in cooking for the preparation of various dishes, desserts and sweets. In addition, dates are also widely used in traditional medicine and are used as a natural medicine.

Fresh dates can be eaten as a snack or added to salads and desserts. They are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that are beneficial to health. However, it is worth remembering that dates contain a lot of sugar, so eating them in large quantities can be harmful to health.

Dried dates can be used to make desserts, candies, breads and other dishes. They are also often eaten as a snack and are high in fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves digestion.

Boiled or roasted dates can also be used in a variety of dishes. They have a softer texture and a sweeter taste, making them ideal for desserts and sweets. Despite the fact that dates are very healthy, their consumption should still be limited due to their high sugar and calorie content. If you want to get the full benefits of dates, try to consume them in moderation.

Harmful properties of dates

Although dates are generally beneficial for health, they also have several potential negative properties:

•      High sugar content: Dates are high in sugar, so eating them in large amounts can lead to high blood glucose levels, especially in people with diabetes.
•      Allergies: Some people may be allergic to dates. Symptoms may include itching, redness, and swelling of the skin, as well as gastrointestinal disturbances.
•      High in Calories: Dates are high in calories, so eating them in large amounts can lead to weight gain.
•      Digestive Problems: Due to their high fiber and sugar content, dates can cause digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
•      Elevated Potassium: Dates are high in potassium, which can lead to health problems if consumed in large amounts. People with kidney problems should be especially careful when consuming dates.
•      Unnatural Treatments: Dates can be chemically treated to extend their shelf life and improve their appearance. These treatments can contain harmful chemicals, so choose dates that have been naturally processed or buy them from reputable vendors.

Recipes with dates

Dates are a versatile product that can be used in a variety of dishes and desserts. Here are some simple recipes with dates:

Oatmeal with dates and nuts

1.      1 cup oatmeal
2.      2 glasses of milk
3.      1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
4.      1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
5.      2 tablespoons honey
6.      1/2 cup chopped dates
7.      1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Combine oatmeal, milk, cinnamon, ginger and honey in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring, until the oatmeal is soft and creamy (about 5-7 minutes). Add dates and walnuts, stir and you're done!

Chicken with dates and vegetables

1.      4 chicken breasts
2.      1/2 cup chopped dates
3.      1/2 cup chopped carrots
4.      1/2 cup chopped red onion
5.      2 tablespoons olive oil
6.      1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
7.      1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
8.      1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
9.      Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Arrange the chicken breasts in a baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix dates, carrots, onions, olive oil, coriander, cumin and cinnamon. Spread the vegetables evenly over the chicken. Salt and pepper to taste. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is done.

In addition, dates are also used in cooking to make sweets and desserts. For example:

     Danish Date Rolls: A traditional Danish pastry based on puff pastry filled with a filling of dates, nuts and cinnamon.
     Caramelized Dates: Dates are coated with a layer of caramel and then rolled in chopped nuts or chocolate.
     Date Cake: A soft and flavorful cake with crushed dates added for a sweet and nutty flavor.
     Date Cream Soup: A delicious and flavorful date soup that can be served hot or cold.

In addition, dates can be used to add to salads, muesli, yogurt, and other dishes to give them a sweet and nutty flavor. It is important to remember that dates are very high in calories and contain a large amount of sugar. Therefore, they should be consumed in moderation, especially for people suffering from diabetes or being overweight.

Date tincture

Date tincture recipe:
Ingredients:

•      500 g dates;
•      1 liter of vodka or alcohol;
•      500 ml of water;
•      200 g sugar.

Step 1: Preparing the dates Wash and dry the dates. Remove the top of each date and then cut it into two halves.
Step 2: Preparing the tincture

1.      Place the dates in a glass jar and fill with vodka or alcohol.
2.      Leave the jar in a cool place for 7-10 days, shaking the contents from time to time.
3.      After the tincture is ready, pour it through cheesecloth or a sieve to remove all the dates.
4.      In another container, dissolve sugar in water and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until completely dissolved.
5.      Add the sugar syrup to the date tincture and stir.

The finished tincture should be left for a week in a cool and dark place to saturate the taste. Date tincture has many variations that use different spirits, additional ingredients, and combinations with other tinctures or liquors. For example, you can add cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, or other spices for a richer flavor.

How to choose and store dates?

When choosing dates, you should pay attention to the following points:

•      Expiration date: make sure that the expiration date has not expired. Usually it is indicated on the packaging.
•      Appearance: Dates should be shiny, juicy and free of signs of damage or mold.
•      Quality of packaging: packaging must be intact and not damaged.

To keep dates fresh and juicy, follow these storage tips:

•      Store dates in a cool and dry place to avoid mold and drying.
•      Do not store dates in the refrigerator as this may change their flavor and texture.
•      Store dates in an airtight package or container.
•      Do not store dates near foods with strong odors, such as onions or garlic, as they can absorb the odor.
•      If you have fresh dates that you don't plan on using anytime soon, you can freeze them. However, remember that after defrosting, they may become less juicy and soft.

Growing dates at home or in the garden

Dates can be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on the climate in your area. If you live in a mild climate zone, you can try growing dates outside. If the climate is harsh, then you are better off choosing indoor cultivation. For growing dates outdoors, it is important to choose a sunny location and make sure the soil has good drainage capacity. Before planting dates, it is necessary to prepare the soil well by adding manure and organic fertilizers to it. When planting dates, make sure that the distance between them is large enough, as they can grow into very large plants.

To grow dates indoors, choose a well-draining pot and fill it with a mixture of kauri soil, coconut fibers, and perlite. Dates need a bright place and regular watering. They also need to be fertilized every two weeks with special fertilizers for palm plants. In order for dates to grow properly, dry leaves and shoots must be trimmed regularly. It is also recommended to treat plants from pests and diseases. Under ideal conditions, dates can begin to bear fruit as early as 3-4 years after planting. However, in order to get a good harvest, it is necessary to provide the plants with proper care and fertilizer.