The Date Palm Explained

Phoenix dactylifera is a flowering plant native from the Gulf States and Iraq to Pakistan and India. It produces sweet fruit.

Date palms reach up to 30 metres in height with leaves 4 to 6 metres long.

A date seed sprouted after accidental storage.

The species is dioecious, meaning separate male and female plants exist. One assisted male pollinates up to 100 females.

Archaeological evidence shows date cultivation around 7,000 BCE. The ancient Egyptians used the fruit to make wine.

Deglet noor dates are 21 percent water and 75 percent carbohydrates. Dried dates contain 63 to 64 percent sugar.

In 2024, world production reached 9.9 million tonnes. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, and Iran accounted for 63 percent total.

When Muslims break fast during Ramadan, eating a date first is traditional.