Description

The dates processing plants is suitable for oblong fruits such as

date palm, gray date, beach date, golden silk date, horse tooth
date, Gansu date, Korean date, olive and so on.
Date palm has medicinal values such as replenishing qi, relieving
cough, relieving phlegm and relieving asthma, moistening the
intestines and laxative, and helping digestion. Therefore, date
palm is a very popular fruit. In order to better preserve and
expand the use of dates in the food processing industry, more
and more people make date palms into date paste.

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’
‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Dates Producing District & Provinces of Pakistan

• Baluchistan: Turbat & Panjgoor
• Sindh: Khairpur & Sukkur
• Punjab: Muzaffargarh, D.G Khan & Jhang
• KPK: D.I. Khan

Types (Varieties) Of Pakistani Dates

Over 250 varieties of Dates are cultivated in Pakistan over an

area more than 76,900 hectares, these include:
Aseel, Shakri, Bhedir, Kharbala'en, Thothar, Fasli of Sindh;
Begum Jungi, Shakri, Muzawati, Alini, Sabzo, Ape-Dandan,
hussaini, Chapshuk, Kahraba of Balochistan;
Dhakki, Azadi, Gulistan, Muscat, Shakri of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa;
and
Hillavi, Khudrawi, Shamran, Zahidi and Ziri of Punjab.

Aseel has always been awarded as an excellent variety among all

the Pakistani Dates in the international dates market.

Main Pakistani Dates Varieties:

Province wise details of main varieties are mentioned below:

Sindh Province:
- Aseel or Asil Dates are superior quality dates produced mainly in
Khairpur and Sukkur (Sindh). These are radish and dark brown
with more stuff (flash) and long shelf life. Best in sweet taste and
enriched with energy value.
- Fasli also comes from Sukkur and Khairpur and adjoining areas.
Fasli is mainly categorized as Industrial Grade Dates because of
its size, shape, shorter shelf life and other characteristics.
Baluchistan Province:
- Begum Jangi (BJ) Dates is the premier quality dates variety of
Baluchistan Province. District Panjgoor and Turbat are the major
producers of this variety. BJ dates are identical in look and shape
with Aseel but are smaller in the size with low level of moisture
contents.
- Khahraba (Carba) Dates are of smaller size but sweeter and
have lower moisture level. These Dates comes from Panjgoor &
Mushkay areas of Baluchistan Province during September 22 to
October 31.
- Rabbi or Baluchistan Rabbi (BR) Dates are also grown in
Mashkail area of Baluchistan
Punjab Province:
- Halawi is produced in Muzaffargarh, D.G Khan & Jhang; the
districts of Punjab Province. This type of Dates is sweet, sticky,
semi-soft and moist. It is higher on the sweetness scale than
many other dates, with a caramel color and undertone.
- Zahidi is also from dates growing areas of Punjab bieng semi-dry
and less intense than some varieties, but still on the sweet side.
KPK Province:
- Dhakki Dates of Dera Ismail Khan, KPK Province has also a
specific market due to its unique taste and size.
Our Dates Products

Our Dates Products are in different forms, shapes, sizes, grades

and brands. We have a wide range of Dates Products produced at
our processing plant (factory). Our main products are as follows:
- Pitted Dates
- Diced / Chopped Dates
- Decapped Dates
- Dates Paste
- Macerated Dates
- Block Pressed Dates
- Stuffed Dates with Nuts (Almond, Pistachio, Walnuts, Peanuts)
We offer our best quality dates and products in bulk quantities to
wholesale buyers / traders / manufacturers of both local and
international markets.

Our Dates Processing Plant

Our Dates Processing Plant (Factory) is located at Therhi Town of

District Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan. The dates selected for
processing are graded or categorized as FAQ, GAQ, Industrial,
High, A, B, C, Grades / Categories. The plant is equipped with
modern technology and fully automatic metal detection scanning
machines. The processing plant is ISO certified by a reputable and
renowned inspection firm. Besides our products are also Kosher &
Halal certified. We have implemented HACCP in our production
facilities. The factory is staffed by skilled people (men and
women) work force operating with hygienic method while treating
dates in different processes.

Our Clientele

Our main forte is a sound portfolio of customers (clients) across

the globe including European Union Member Countries, Canada,
United States of America (USA), India, Sri Lanka, Australia, South
Africa and other Countries. Our global supply chain ensures a
timely delivery as per the committed programs. We always claim
to be a reliable global source of supply to our customers.

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’
’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’
‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’
’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

Dates Processing Plants In Pakistan

Pakistan is renowned for its agricultural diversity, boasting an
array of fruits and crops, among which dates hold a special place.
With its favorable climate and fertile lands, Pakistan is a
significant producer of dates, ranking among the top date-
producing countries globally. However, the journey of dates from
palm trees to our tables involves several stages of processing,
with specialized plants playing a crucial role. Let’s delve into the
world of date processing plants in Pakistan, unraveling the
intricacies of this fascinating industry.

Harvesting and Collection:

Date processing begins with the harvest, typically occurring from
August to October. In Pakistan, major date-producing regions
include Sindh and Balochistan. Harvesting involves skilled labor
climbing the date palms to carefully pluck the ripe fruit clusters.
Once harvested, the dates are collected and transported to
processing plants for further handling.

Cleaning and Sorting:

Upon arrival at the processing plants, the dates undergo cleaning
and sorting bye dates washing line procedures. This step
involves removing any debris, leaves, or other impurities that
may have accompanied the fruits from the orchards. Advanced
sorting machinery is employed to separate dates based on their
size, color, and quality, ensuring only the finest specimens
proceed further in the processing chain.

Processing and Packaging:

After cleaning and sorting, the dates are ready for processing.
Depending on the desired end products, various techniques are
employed. For instance, some dates may undergo pitting or de-
stoning processes to remove seeds, while others may be
processed into pastes, syrups, or date-based products like bars or
chocolates. Modern processing plants utilize state-of-the-art
machinery to maintain hygiene standards and preserve the
nutritional integrity of the dates. Once processed, the dates are
carefully packaged, often in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed
pouches to retain freshness.

Quality Control and Assurance:

Throughout the processing journey, stringent quality control
measures are implemented to ensure that only premium-grade
dates reach consumers. Quality inspectors monitor each stage of
processing, conducting checks for freshness, taste, texture, and
overall quality. Any dates failing to meet the established
standards are promptly removed from the production line,
maintaining the reputation of Pakistani dates for excellence.

Export and Distribution:

Pakistan’s processed dates enjoy a robust demand both
domestically and internationally. Once packaged and labeled,
these dates are ready for distribution. Many processing plants in
Pakistan cater to both local markets and export destinations,
adhering to international regulations and standards for food
safety and quality. From Europe to the Middle East and beyond,
Pakistani dates are cherished for their rich flavor and nutritional
benefits, contributing significantly to the country’s export
earnings.

Innovation and Sustainability:

The date processing industry in Pakistan is not stagnant; it
continually embraces innovation and sustainability practices.
From implementing eco-friendly packaging solutions to exploring
new processing techniques aimed at maximizing yield and
minimizing waste, date processing plants are at the forefront of
technological advancements. Moreover, efforts are underway to
promote sustainable agriculture practices in date cultivation,
ensuring the long-term viability of this vital industry.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the journey of dates from palm trees to our plates
involves a sophisticated network of processing plants, each
playing a pivotal role in delivering high-quality products to
consumers. In Pakistan, where dates are deeply ingrained in the
cultural and culinary fabric, these processing plants serve as
crucial hubs of innovation and excellence. By embracing modern
technologies, adhering to stringent quality standards, and
prioritizing sustainability, the date processing industry in Pakistan
continues to thrive, delighting taste buds around the world with
its luscious and nutritious offerings.

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’
’

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PESHAWAR - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment and

Trade (KP-BoIT) is making concerted efforts for introduction of
modern methods to improve yields of various crops/staple-fruits,
as well as modernisation of agriculture system in the province.
For the purpose, the board has undertaken measures for setting
up a modern Date Farming and processing Unit at D. I. Khan. A
piece of land, measuring 1000 acres, has been identified for
investors to establish a state-of-art date farming and processing
unit at in DI Khan, with operational capacity of 50 tons per day for
1000 acre (25 tons per day for 500 acres), said KP-BoIT vice
chairman, Senator Mohsin Aziz, in a statement issued here on
Tuesday. He elaborated the project, which initiated in
collaboration with provincial Agriculture Department, has been
divided in two project, approximately 500 acre each, which could
enable to improve yield and home-grown dates from the local
farms. He furthermore said that the proposed/identified land will
be provided to investors for period of 30 years lease, extendable
for further period for initiation of the project.
He said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is blessed with high quality date
producing areas, mainly south regions, like D.I.Khan, Tank, Lakki
Marwat and Bannu. He said the dates as one of the most
important cash crops, because country ranked amongst top-ten
date-exporting countries.
Regarding the significance of the project, Aziz said the board
under patronage of provincial government, has achieved
milestones, which is providing facilitation services under one-
window operation, to local as well as foreign investors, and
striving to attract investment in the province. He said the
establishment of date farming and processing unit, is one of the
step towards modernisation of agriculture sector.
The project, he maintained, had conceived and identified land
with support of provincial agriculture department in D.I.Khan,
could play pivotal role in yielding production of special variety of
dates. He furthered stated the project would open vista-of
business and employment opportunities. He said the cleaning,
hygienic processing and packing of the home-grown dates also
main featured of the project. Also, he said the buying from the
nearing market would provide a great business opportunity.
The board vice chairman expressed the hope that the project will
not only provide modern processing facility, technical know-how
and other modern methods to Date-famers, but it would also
reduce post harvesting losses at optimal level.

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’
’’’’’

‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’
’’’’’’’’
Dates Exporters in Pakistan – Dates Suppliers in Pakistan

Dates Exporters in Pakistan – Dates Suppliers in Pakistan

Dates Exporters in Pakistan
Welcome to the Asia Foods International!

For all-purpose: Pitted Dates, Unpitted Dates, Decapped Dates, Chopped

Dates, Special Cut Dates, Block Pressed Dates, Dates Paste, Barhi
Dates, dry Dates, Dates stuffed with nuts and other products of dates as a
best dates supplier from Pakistan.
“The experience of the past can combine with the technologies, ideas, and
inspirations of today to keep agriculture productive for future generations.”

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Pakistan’s date industry is a significant contributor to the

country’s economy. The country’s favorable climate and growing
conditions make it an ideal place for date cultivation, and over
250 varieties of dates are grown in the country. From Aseel dates
to Dhakki dates, Pakistan’s diverse range of dates offers a variety
of flavors and textures for people to enjoy. Additionally, the
country’s date industry produces a wide range of date products
for export, making it a major player in the global dates market.

Types of Dates Produced in Pakistan

Pakistan is a major global producer of dates, with more than 250

varieties of the fruit grown in the country. Its favorable climate,
fertile soil, and optimal growing conditions make it an ideal
location for date cultivation, with all four provinces of the country
growing date palms. Sindh and Baluchistan are the leading
producers of multiple types of dates.

The different regions of Pakistan where dates are grown include

Turbat and Panjgoor in Baluchistan, Khairpur and Sukkur in Sindh,
Muzaffargarh, D.G Khan, and Jhang in Punjab, and D.I. Khan in
KPK.
Here are the main types of dates grown in different regions of
Pakistan:

Aseel Dates: Superior quality Aseel dates are produced mainly in

Khairpur and Sukkur, Sindh. They are dark brown in color, radish-
shaped, and have a longer shelf life. Aseel dates are known for
their sweet taste and energy value, making them a preferred
variety in the international dates market.

Fasli Dates: Industrial grade Fasli dates come from Sukkur and
Khairpur, Sindh, due to their size, shape, and other
characteristics. They have a shorter shelf life than other varieties
and are used mainly in industrial processes.

Begum Jangi (BJ) Dates: Premier quality Begum Jangi dates are
identical in look and shape to Aseel, but smaller and with low
moisture content. They are produced mainly in Panjgoor and
Turbat districts of Baluchistan.

Khahraba (Carba) Dates: Khahraba dates are smaller in size,

sweeter, and have a lower moisture level. These dates come from
Panjgoor and Mushkay areas of Baluchistan province between
September 22 and October 31.

Rabbi or Baluchistan Rabbi (BR) Dates: Rabbi or Baluchistan Rabbi

(BR) dates are also grown in the Mashkail area of Baluchistan
province.

Halawi Dates: Halawi dates are produced in the districts of

Muzaffargarh, D.G Khan, and Jhang in Punjab province. This
variety of date is sweet, sticky, semi-soft, and moist. It is higher
on the sweetness scale than many other dates, with a caramel
color and undertone.

Zahidi Dates: Zahidi dates are also from the date-growing areas
of Baluchistan and Punjab, being semi-dry and less intense than
some varieties, but still on the sweet side.

Dhakki Dates: Dhakki dates of Dera Ismail Khan, KPK province,

have a unique taste and size, and hold a specific market.
Aseel Dates (Aseel Khajoor) are commonly known as the best
quality Pakistani Dates grown in Khairpur District of Sindh
Province, Pakistan. Dry Dates (Chuara) are a very nutritious and
delicious fruit containing mainly carbohydrates and several types
of nutritious contents, including natural vitamins and minerals.

Organic Dates are rich with natural contents and free from any
chemical and pesticides or synthetic material.

Pitted/Seedless Dates are seedless dates consumed as a sweet

and delicious snack, providing a great source of instant energy for
the human body being rich with natural nutrients.

Diced/Chopped Dates are small pieces of dates manufactured

with special care under hygienic conditions and food safety
standards.

Date Paste is manufactured from the best quality soft dates,

consumed as a natural fruit spread, or used for making energy
bars.

Dates Powder is a substitute for white sugar and natural

sweetener for coffee, tea, multiple food products, and desserts.

Dates Syrup is identical to natural honey and also a substitute for

white sugar or natural sweetener for coffee, tea, multiple food
products, and desserts.

GNS Pakistan is a leading dates processing company in Pakistan,

with a state-of-the-art processing plant located in Therhi Town,
District Khairpur, Sindh. The plant is equipped with advanced
technology, including fully automatic metal detection scanning
machines, and the dates selected for processing are graded or
categorized according to FAQ, GAQ, Industrial, High, A, B, and C
grades/categories. The processing plant is ISO certified by a
reputable and renowned inspection firm, and the products are
also Kosher & Halal certified. GNS Pakistan has implemented
HACCP in its production facilities, and its skilled workforce (men
and women) operate with hygienic methods while treating dates
in different processes.
As a food-certified supplier and exporter, GNS Pakistan specializes
in Aseel Dates, BJ Dates, T-Mix Dates, Dry Dates, Pitted Dates,
Diced Dates, Date Paste, and Date Powder. The Company is also a
certified supplier of organic dates, mainly aseel dates from
Pakistan. GNS Pakistan’s customer base is spread worldwide,
including countries such as the USA, UK, UAE, Canada, Australia,
South Africa, Germany, the Netherlands, and other EU countries.

GNS Pakistan was established with a mission to make a positive

impact on poverty alleviation and the empowerment of women.
The company’s aim is to enable women to support their families
in a dignified manner while also contributing to their economic
growth and development. GNS Pakistan believes in creating
sustainable business opportunities for women, promoting gender
equality and supporting the local communities.

If you have any queries or are interested in buying from GNS

Pakistan, their team is always ready to respond promptly to any
inquiries or requests for further details.

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Pakistani Dates
Posted on: February 8, 2021 by: admin
Main Varieties of Pakistani Dates

Over 250 varieties of Dates are grown in Pakistan on cultivable

area more than 76,900 hectares, these include:
Aseel, Shakri, Bhedir, Kharbala’en, Thothar, Fasli of Sindh;
Begum Jungi, Shakri, Muzawati, Alini, Sabzo, Ape-Dandan,
hussaini, Chapshuk, Kahraba of Balochistan;
Dhakki, Azadi, Gulistan, Muscat, Shakri of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa;
and
Hillavi, Khudrawi, Shamran, Zahidi and Ziri of Punjab.

Aseel has always been awarded as an excellent variety among all

the Pakistani Dates in the international dates market.

Province wise details of main varieties are mentioned below:

Sindh Province:
– Aseel or Asil Dates are superior quality dates produced mainly in
Khairpur and Sukkur (Sindh). These are radish and dark brown
with more stuff (flash) and long shelf life. Best in sweet taste and
enriched with energy value.
– Fasli also comes from Sukkur and Khairpur and adjoining areas.
Fasli is mainly categorized as Industrial Grade Dates because of
its size, shape, shorter shelf life and other characteristics.
Baluchistan Province:
– Begum Jangi (BJ) Dates is the premier quality dates variety of
Baluchistan Province. District Panjgoor and Turbat are the major
producers of this variety. BJ dates are identical in look and shape
with Aseel but are smaller in the size with low level of moisture
contents.
– Khahraba (Carba) Dates are of smaller size but sweeter and
have lower moisture level. These Dates comes from Panjgoor &
Mushkay areas of Baluchistan Province during September 22 to
October 31.
– Rabbi or Baluchistan Rabbi (BR) Dates are also grown in
Mashkail area of Baluchistan
Punjab Province:
– Halawi is produced in Muzaffargarh, D.G Khan & Jhang; the
districts of Punjab Province. This type of Dates is sweet, sticky,
semi-soft and moist. It is higher on the sweetness scale than
many other dates, with a caramel color and undertone.
– Zahidi is also from dates growing areas of Punjab bieng semi-dry
and less intense than some varieties, but still on the sweet side.
KPK Province:
– Dhakki Dates of Dera Ismail Khan, KPK Province has also a
specific market due to its unique taste and size.

Our Dates Products are in different forms, shapes, sizes, grades

and brands. We have a wide range of Dates Products produced at
our processing plant (factory). Our main products are as follows:
– Pitted Dates
– Diced / Chopped Dates
– Decapped Dates
– Dates Paste
– Macerated Dates
– Block Pressed Dates
– Stuffed Dates with Nuts (Almond, Pistachio, Walnuts, Peanuts)
We offer our best quality dates and products in bulk quantities to
wholesale buyers / traders / manufacturers of both local and
international markets.

GNS Pakistan is a leading dates processing company in Pakistan,

with a state-of-the-art processing plant located in Therhi Town,
District Khairpur, Sindh. The plant is equipped with advanced
technology, including fully automatic metal detection scanning
machines, and the dates selected for processing are graded or
categorized according to FAQ, GAQ, Industrial, High, A, B, and C
grades/categories. The processing plant is ISO certified by a
reputable and renowned inspection firm, and the products are
also Kosher & Halal certified. GNS Pakistan has implemented
HACCP in its production facilities, and its skilled workforce (men
and women) operate with hygienic methods while treating dates
in different processes.

As a food-certified supplier and exporter, GNS Pakistan specializes

in Aseel Dates, BJ Dates, T-Mix Dates, Dry Dates, Pitted Dates,
Diced Dates, Date Paste, and Date Powder. The Company is also a
certified supplier of organic dates, mainly aseel dates from
Pakistan. GNS Pakistan’s customer base is spread worldwide,
including countries such as the USA, UK, UAE, Canada, Australia,
South Africa, Germany, the Netherlands, and other EU countries.

GNS Pakistan was established with a mission to make a positive

impact on poverty alleviation and the empowerment of women.
The company’s aim is to enable women to support their families
in a dignified manner while also contributing to their economic
growth and development. GNS Pakistan believes in creating
sustainable business opportunities for women, promoting gender
equality and supporting the local communities.

If you have any queries or are interested in buying from GNS

Pakistan, their team is always ready to respond promptly to any
inquiries or requests for further details.

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Dates Processing Plant at DI Khan

Agriculture Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Service Name Dates Processing Plant at DI Khan

· Provision of 50 Acres of land for
Service Short Description establishment of Dates Processing Plant
· Summary is under process for CM
Service Audience (Can Be
The type of people who avail this service
Multiple)
Service Given The department and the section which
By ( Department > Section) provide this service
Related Government List of any external departments which
Entities (If any) are involved in service
Service Qualification The qualification criteria which must be
Criteria meet by the audience to avail the service
Service Priority (Low
Average Medium High)
The most of the time the services
Service Request Monthly requested can be daily, weekly, monthly
and yearly
Step wise detail description of how to
Service Detail Step Wise avail the services, should be written in a
Description way which is easy to understand for an
ordinary citizen
If possible a flow chart of above described
Service Flowchart
services
Nisar Muhammad

Focal Person 091-9210438

Web Link Web link: http://stepnexs.com/Agri/

- See more at:

https://agriculture.kp.gov.pk/page/datesprocessingplantatdikhan/
page_type/#sthash.vjITfJd4.dpuf
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Dates production – 2022

millions of tonnes

Egypt 1.7

Saudi Arabia 1.6

Algeria 1.2

Iran 1.0

Pakistan 0.7

Iraq 0.7

World 9.7

Source:UN Food and Agriculture

Organization, Statistics Division[33]

hoenix dactylifera, commonly known as the date palm,[2] is a flowering-plant species in

the palm family, Arecaceae, cultivated for its edible sweet fruit called dates. The
species is widely cultivated across northern Africa, the Middle East, Horn of
Africa, Australia, South Asia, and California.[3] It is naturalized in
many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.[3][4][5] P. dactylifera is the type species of
genus Phoenix, which contains 12–19 species of wild date palms.[6]
Date palms reach up to 30 metres (100 feet) in height, growing singly or forming
a clump with several stems from a single root system. Slow-growing, they can reach
over 100 years of age when maintained properly.[7] Date fruits (dates) are oval-
cylindrical, 3 to 7 centimetres (1 to 3 inches) long, and about 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter,
with colour ranging from dark brown to bright red or yellow, depending on variety.
Containing 61–68 percent sugar by mass when dried,[8] dates are very sweet and are
enjoyed as desserts on their own or within confections.

There is archaeological evidence of date cultivation in Arabia from the

6th millennium BCE.[9] Dates are "emblematic of oasis agriculture and highly symbolic in
Muslim, Christian, and Jewish religions".[9]

Description
[edit]
Date palms reach up to 30 metres (100 feet) in height, growing singly or forming a
clump with several stems from a single root system. Slow-growing, they can reach over
100 years of age when maintained properly.[7] The roots have pneumatodes.
[10]
The leaves are 4–6 m (13–20 ft) long, with spines on the petiole, and pinnate, with
about 150 leaflets. The leaflets are 30 centimetres (12 inches) long and 2 cm (1 in)
wide. The full span of the crown ranges from 6–10 m (20–33 ft).

The date palm is dioecious, having separate male and female plants. They can be
easily grown from seed, but only 50% of seedlings will be female and hence fruit-
bearing, and dates from seedling plants are often smaller and of poorer quality. Most
commercial plantations thus use cuttings of heavily cropping cultivars. Plants grown
from cuttings will fruit 2–3 years earlier than seedling plants.

ates are naturally wind-pollinated, but in traditional oasis horticulture and modern
commercial orchards, they are entirely hand-pollinated. Natural pollination occurs with
about an equal number of male and female plants. With assistance, one male can
pollinate up to 100 females. Since the males are of value only as pollinators, they are
usually pruned in favor of fruit-producing female plants. Some growers do not maintain
male plants, as male flowers become available at local markets at pollination time.
Manual pollination is done by skilled labourers on ladders, or by use of a wind machine.
In some areas such as Iraq the pollinator climbs the tree using a special climbing tool
that wraps around the tree trunk and the climber's back (called ‫ تبلية‬in Arabic) to keep
him attached to the trunk while climbing.[citation needed]

Date fruits are oval-cylindrical, 3–7 cm (1–3 in) long, and 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 in) diameter,
and when ripe, range from bright red to bright yellow in colour, depending on variety.
Dates contain a single stone (seed) about 2–2.5 cm (3⁄4–1 in) long and 6–8 mm (1⁄4–5⁄16 in)
thick. Three main cultivar groups exist: soft (e.g., Medjool); semi-dry (e.g., Deglet Noor),
and dry (e.g., Thoory).[citation needed]
Genome
[edit]

Germination of date palm

A draft genome of P. dactylifera (Khalas variety) was published in 2011[11] followed by

more complete genome assemblies in 2013[12] and 2019.[13] The later study used long-
read sequencing technology. With the release of this improved genome assembly, the
researchers were able to map genes for fruit color and sugar content.[13] The NYU Abu
Dhabi researchers had also re-sequenced the genomes of several date varieties to
develop the first single nucleotide polymorphism map of the date palm genome in 2015.
[14]

Etymology
[edit]

The species name dactylifera 'date-bearing' is Latin, and is formed with the
loanword dactylus in Latin from Greek daktylos (δάκτυλος), which means 'date' (also
'finger'),[15] and with the native Latin fero, which means 'to bear'.[16] The fruit is known as a
date.[17] The fruit's English name (through Old French, through Latin) comes from the
Greek word for 'finger', δάκτυλος,[15] because of the fruit's elongated shape.

Distribution
[edit]

The place of origin of the date palm is uncertain because of long cultivation. According
to some sources it probably originated from the Fertile Crescent region straddling Egypt
and Mesopotamia[6] while others state that they are native to the Persian Gulf area.
[18]
Fossil records show that the date palm has existed for at least 50 million years.[19]

Ecology
[edit]
 Sooty mould, nymph and larval cuticle of Ommatissus lybicus,
Oman

Further information: List of date palm diseases

A major palm pest, the red palm beetle (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), currently poses a
significant threat to date production in parts of the Middle East as well as to iconic
landscape specimens throughout the Mediterranean world. Another significant insect
pest is Ommatissus lybicus, sometimes called the "dubas bug", whose sap sucking
results in sooty mould formation.

In the 1920s, eleven healthy Medjool palms were transferred from Morocco to the
United States where they were tended by members of the Chemehuevi tribe[which?] in a
remote region of Nevada. Nine of these survived and in 1935, cultivars were transferred
to the U.S. Date Garden in Indio, California. Eventually this stock was reintroduced to
Africa and led to the U.S. production of dates in Yuma, Arizona and Bard, California.[20]

Cultivation
[edit]

Dates are a traditional crop throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Dates
(especially Medjool and Deglet Nour) are also cultivated in the southwestern United
States, and in Sonora and Baja California in Mexico.

Date palms can take 4 to 8 years after planting before they will bear fruit, and start
producing viable yields for commercial harvest between 7 and 10 years. Mature date
palms can produce 70–140 kilograms (150–300 pounds)[21][22] of dates per harvest
season. They do not all ripen at the same time so several harvests are required. To
obtain fruit of marketable quality, the bunches of dates must be thinned and bagged or
covered before ripening so that the remaining fruits grow larger and are protected from
weather and animals, such as birds, that also like to eat them.

Date palms require well-drained deep sandy loam soils with a pH of 8–11 (alkaline). The
soil should have the ability to hold moisture and also be free of calcium carbonate.[23]

Agricultural history
[edit]
Dates have been cultivated in the Middle East and the Indus Valley for thousands of
years, and there is archaeological evidence of date cultivation in Mehrgarh, a Neolithic
civilization in western Pakistan, around 7000 BCE[24] and in eastern Arabia between
5530 and 5320 calBC.[25] Dates have been cultivated since ancient times from
Mesopotamia to prehistoric Egypt. The ancient Egyptians used the fruits to make
date wine and ate dates at harvest.[citation needed] Evidence of cultivation is continually found
throughout later civilizations in the Indus Valley, including the Harappan period from
2600 to 1900 BCE.[24]

Mazafati dates

One cultivar, the Judean date palm, is renowned for its long-lived orthodox seed, which
successfully sprouted after accidental storage for 2,000 years.[26] In total seven seeds
about 2000 years old have sprouted and turned into trees named Methuselah, Hannah,
Adam, Judith, Boaz, Jonah and Uriel.[27] The upper survival time limit of properly stored
seeds remains unknown.[28] A genomic study from New York University Abu Dhabi
Center for Genomics and Systems Biology showed that domesticated date palm
varieties from North Africa, including well-known varieties such as Medjool and Deglet
Nour, share large parts of their genome with Middle East date palms and the Cretan
wild palms,P. theophrasti, as well as Indian wild palms, Phoenix sylvestris.

An article on date palm tree cultivation is contained in Ibn al-'Awwam's 12th-century

agricultural work, Book on Agriculture.[29]

Cultivars
[edit]
Main article: List of date cultivars

A large number of date cultivars and varieties emerged through history of its cultivation,
but the exact number is difficult to assess. Hussain and El-Zeid[30] (1975) have reported
400 varieties, while Nixon[31] (1954) named around 250. Most of those are limited to a
particular region, and only a few dozen have attained broader commercial importance.
The most renowned cultivars worldwide include Deglet Noor, originally of Algeria; Yahidi
and Hallawi of Iraq; Medjool of Morocco; Mazafati of Iran.[32]

Production
[edit]
 Dates production – 2022

millions of tonnes

Egypt 1.7

Saudi Arabia 1.6

Algeria 1.2

Iran 1.0

Pakistan 0.7

Iraq 0.7

World 9.7

Source:UN Food and Agriculture

Organization, Statistics Division[33]

In 2022, world production of dates was 9.7 million tonnes, led by Egypt, Saudi Arabia,
and Algeria accounting for 46% of the total (table).

Nutrition
[edit]

Dates, Deglet Noor

 Deglet Noor dates

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)

Energy 1,180 kJ (280 kcal)

Carbohydrates 75 g

Sugars 63 g

Dietary fiber 8g

Fat 0.4 g

Protein 2.4 g

Vitamins Quantity
%DV†

Vitamin A equiv. 0%
beta-Carotene 6 μg
lutein zeaxanthin 75 μg

Vitamin A 10 IU

Thiamine (B1) 4%
0.052 mg

Riboflavin (B2) 5%
0.066 mg
Niacin (B3) 8%
1.274 mg

Pantothenic acid (B5) 12%

0.589 mg

Vitamin B6 10%
0.165 mg

Folate (B9) 5%
19 μg

Vitamin C 0%
0.4 mg

Vitamin E 0%
0.05 mg

Vitamin K 2%
2.7 μg

Minerals Quantity
%DV†

Calcium 3%
39 mg

Iron 6%
1.02 mg

Magnesium 10%
43 mg

Manganese 11%
0.262 mg

Phosphorus 5%
62 mg
 Potassium 22%
656 mg

Sodium 0%
2 mg

Zinc 3%
0.29 mg

Other constituents Quantity

Water 20.5 g

Link to USDA Database entry

†
Percentages estimated
using US recommendations for adults,[34] except for
potassium, which is estimated based on expert
recommendation from the National Academies.[35]

Date palm fruits contain 21% water, 75% carbohydrates (63% sugars and 8% dietary
fiber), 2% protein, and less than 1% fat (table). In a 100-gram (3+1⁄2 oz) reference
amount, dates supply 1,180 kilojoules (280 kilocalories) of food energy, and are a rich
source (20% or more of the Daily Value, DV) of potassium (22% DV) and a moderate
source of pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, and the dietary
minerals, magnesium and manganese (10-19% DV), with other micronutrients in low
amounts (table).
The primary carbohydrates are monosaccharides, comprising glucose (23-
30%), fructose (19-28%), and non-starch polysaccharides (7-10%) of the fruit's total
weight.[36] The sucrose content is negligible.[37]

The glycemic index (GI) for different varieties of the date palm fruit is in the range of 38-
71, with 53 on average,[36][38] indicating dates are a relatively low GI food source.
[39]
The glycemic load (GL) value of date palm fruits, calculated for a serving size of three
fruits (weighting 27 gramm) is 9 on average, indicating that dates have low GL.[36]

Like many other fruits, dates contain measurable levels of calcium oxalates.[40]
 Antique date forks in rack

Uses
[edit]

Fruits
[edit]

Dry or soft dates are eaten out-of-hand, or may be pitted and stuffed with fillings such
as almonds, walnuts, pecans,
candied orange and lemon peel, tahini, marzipan or cream cheese. Pitted dates are
also referred to as stoned dates. Partially dried pitted dates may be glazed with glucose
syrup for use as a snack food. Dates can also be chopped and used in a range of sweet
and savory dishes, from tajines (tagines) in Morocco to puddings, ka'ak (types of Arab
cookies) and other dessert items. Date nut bread, a type of cake, is very popular in the
United States, especially around holidays. Dates are also processed into cubes, paste
called 'ajwa, spread, date syrup or "honey" called "dibs" or rub in Libya, powder (date
sugar), vinegar or alcohol. Vinegar made from dates was a traditional product of
the Middle East.[41][42] Recent innovations include chocolate-covered dates and products
such as sparkling date juice, used in some Islamic countries as a non-alcoholic version
of champagne, for special occasions and religious times such as Ramadan. When
Muslims break fast in the evening meal of Ramadan, it is traditional to eat a date first.

Reflecting the maritime trading heritage of Britain, imported chopped dates are added
to, or form the main basis of a variety of traditional dessert recipes including sticky
toffee pudding, Christmas pudding and date and walnut loaf. They are particularly
available to eat whole at Christmas time. Dates are one of the ingredients of HP Sauce,
a popular British condiment.

In Southeast Spain (where a large date plantation exists including UNESCO-

protected Palmeral of Elche) dates (usually pitted with fried almond) are served
wrapped in bacon and shallow-fried. In Israel date syrup, termed silan, is used while
cooking chicken and also for sweets and desserts, and as a honey substitute. Dates are
one of the ingredients of jallab, a Middle Eastern fruit syrup. In Pakistan, a viscous, thick
syrup made from the ripe fruits is used as a coating for leather bags and pipes to
prevent leaking.

Forks
[edit]

In the past, sticky dates were served using specialized small forks having two metal
tines, called daddelgaffel in Scandinavia.[43] Some designs were patented.[44] These have
generally been replaced by an inexpensive pale-colored knobbled plastic fork that
resembles a date branch, which is traditionally included with numerous brands of
prepackaged trays of dates, though this practice has declined in response to increased
use of resealable packaging and calls for fewer single-use plastics.

Seeds
[edit]

Date seeds are soaked and ground up for animal feed. Their oil is suitable for use in
cosmetics and dermatological applications. The oil contains lauric acid (36%) and oleic
acid (41%). Date palm seeds contain 0.56–5.4% lauric acid. They can also be
processed chemically as a source of oxalic acid. Date seeds are also ground and used
in the manner of coffee beans, or as an additive to coffee. Experimental studies have
shown that feeding mice with the aqueous extract of date pits exhibit anti-genotoxic
effects and reduce DNA damage induced by N-nitroso-N-methylurea.[45]

Fruit clusters
[edit]

Stripped fruit clusters are used as brooms. Recently, the floral stalks have been found
to be of ornamental value in households.[46]

Sap
[edit]

Sweet sap tapped from date palm in West Bengal, India

Apart from P. dactylifera, wild date palms such as Phoenix sylvestris and Phoenix
reclinata, depending on the region, can be also tapped for sap.

The consumption of raw date palm sap is one of the means by which the deadly Nipah
virus spreads from bats to humans.[47] The virus can be inactivated by boiling the sap
down to molasses.[47] (In Malaysia, by contrast, the vector was found to be factory
farming of pigs.)[47]

Leaves
[edit]

In North Africa, date palm leaves are commonly used for making huts. Mature leaves
are also made into mats, screens, baskets, and fans. Processed leaves can be used
for insulating board. Dried leaf petioles are a source of cellulose pulp, used for walking
sticks, brooms, fishing floats, and fuel. Leaf sheaths are prized for their scent, and fibre
from them is also used for rope, coarse cloth, and large hats.

Young date leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable, as is the terminal bud or
heart, though its removal kills the palm. The finely ground seeds are mixed with flour to
make bread in times of scarcity. The flowers of the date palm are also edible.
Traditionally the female flowers are the most available for sale and weigh 300–400
grams (10+1⁄2–14 oz). The flower buds are used in salad or ground with dried fish to
make a condiment for bread.
In culture
[edit]
Further information: Palm branch (symbol) and Plants in Islam

In Ancient Rome, the palm fronds used in triumphal processions to symbolize victory
were most likely those of P. dactylifera.[48] The date palm was a popular garden plant in
Roman peristyle gardens, though it would not bear fruit in the more temperate climate of
Italy.[49] It is recognizable in frescoes from Pompeii and elsewhere in Italy, including a
garden scene from the House of the Wedding of Alexander.[49] In later times, traders
spread dates around southwest Asia, northern Africa, and Spain. Dates were introduced
into California by the Spaniards by 1769, existing by then around Mission San Diego de
Alcalá, and were introduced to Mexico as early as the 16th century.[50]

Dates are mentioned more than 50 times in the Bible and 20 times in the Quran. Date
palms holds great significance in Abrahamic religions. The tree was heavily cultivated
as a food source in ancient Israel where Judaism and
subsequently Christianity developed.[51] Date palm leaves are used for Palm Sunday in
the Christian religion.

Many Jewish scholars believe that the "honey" reference in Exodus chapter 3 to "a land
flowing with milk and honey" is actually a reference to date "honey", and not honey from
bees.[52] In the Torah, palm trees are referenced as symbols of prosperity and triumph.
[53]
Psalm 92:12 states that "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree." Palm
branches occurred as iconography in sculpture ornamenting the Second Jewish
Temple in Jerusalem, on Jewish coins, and in the sculpture of synagogues. They are
also used as ornamentation in the Feast of the Tabernacles.[51] Date palms are one of
the seven species of native Israeli plants revered in Judaism.[54] The date palm has
historically been considered a symbol of Judea and the Jewish people.[55] The leaves are
used as a lulav in the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.[56] They are also commonly used as
the s'chach in the construction of a sukkah.[57]

In the Quran, Allah instructs Maryām (the Virgin Mary) to eat dates during labour pains
when she gives birth to Isa (Jesus).[58] In Islamic culture, dates and yogurt or milk are
traditionally the first foods consumed for Iftar after the sun has set during Ramadan.

In Mandaeism, the date palm (Mandaic: sindirka, which can refer to both the tree and its
fruit[59]) symbolizes the cosmic tree and is often associated with the cosmic wellspring
(Mandaic: aina). The date palm, associated with masculinity, and wellspring, associated
with femininity, are often mentioned together as heavenly symbols in Mandaean texts.[60]

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