To grow as they should, date palms require the right balance of environmental factors including a sufficient direct sunlight and just the right amount of water as allowing the soil to dry out can be disastrous and stop the date palm from growing completely. They also require fertilizer and just the right temperature (above 20°C). Because of these requirements, the areas in which they can be grown are restricted. Typically, they are grown tropical or sub-tropical countries which can offer the right climate – this is where we find the main producers listed above. Date plantations are, however, found in warm areas of the United States (predominatly in the Coachella Valley, California), as well as in warmer areas of Europe, such as southern parts of Spain. It is worth noting that there are varieties of date palm which can withstand cold conditions; however, these palms rarely bear fruit, which is the ultimate goal of producers.

Dates fruit contain essential vitamins such as vitamin A, which supports bone growth, improves the immune system and helps to maintain healthy vision; vitamin C, which helps to protect the cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, improve cardiovascular health and support the healthy formation of collagen, cartilage, blood vessels and muscles; and vitamin B, which is essential for energy production and metabolism. In terms of minerals, dates contain plenty of potassium, which helps to lower cholesterol and blood pressure; calcium, which is well known for its role in developing healthy bones and teeth; and iron, which helps to boost the immune system and produce haemoglobin for the healthy production of red blood cells. Additionally, dates are a rich source of fibre – 48% of our daily fibre needs, in fact – which aids digestive health, prevents constipation, lowers cholesterol levels and helps to maintain a healthy bodyweight. As such, dates can be an effective way to prevent various health conditions and diseases, including anaemia, heart disease, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and even certain types of cancer.

Dates make a sweet, nutritional snack and can be eaten as they come, or glazed with syrup. Alternatively, for a delicious twist, they can be pitted and stuffed with various fillings such as nuts (walnuts, almonds and pecans), candied orange and lemon peel, tahini, marzipan or cream cheese. In fact, dates are so versatile that different countries have found their own novel uses for date fruit. In Morocco, for example, they are used in savoury dishes such as tagines, as well as in puddings, cookies (ka’ak) and other desserts. They actually make an effecitve natural binding agent in baked treats. The United States has its own unique date dish, date nut bread, which is a type of cake that is commonly eaten around holidays. In southeast Spain, where there is a large date plantation, dates are often pitted, stuffed with fried almonds, wrapped in bacon and shallow-fried for a sweet and savoury taste sensation.

Various uses of dates in the industry include date juice, date nectar (date honey), liquid sugar, date vinegar, alcohol, beverage extract, date clove, date halva, date chocolate chip, simple date chips, date flavored chips, date lavash, date Chocolate, solid date chocolate, sauces, pastes, pickles, compotes, marmalades ..