Dried Dates

Quality bulk dried dates for wholesalers, distributors, suppliers and importers

Dried Dates: a short introduction

Dates are oval-shaped, brownish to yellow colored fruits, eaten fresh, or dried, with or without the pit. Sticky and sugary, they are an integral part of delicious cake, muffin, and oatmeal recipes.

Date trees, which are actually plants rather than ‘trees’ (as their trunks have no rings), grow in tropical or sub-tropical dry areas. Cultivation, harvesting, and processing are highly labor-intensive, while pollination is done by hand. Workers often have to face the 70 ft. heights, temperatures above 100 degrees, and the blistering sun.

Led by Egypt, most fresh and dried fruit of the date palm tree are produced, as well as consumed, in countries in the Middle East, West Asia, and North Africa. In the US, date palms grow in Florida, and in California.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS

Dried dates belong to the dried fruit family. They offer a longer shelf-life than fresh dates, are very tasty and provide nutrients that promote health. Natural sugars make up 70% of dried dates, while the remaining 30% is a mix of proteins, natural fiber, and minerals such as selenium, copper, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium. They contain some amounts of vitamins B6, B9, B2 and B3 and smaller amounts of vitamins B1, C and A. They are rich in polyphenols, anthocyanins, sterols and carotenoids.

Research has shown that dried dates have the highest polyphenols content compared to all other dried fruit. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and stomach-barrier protective action of dates has been established. The consumption of dates promotes the health of the lower gastro-intestinal system, enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria and preventing the proliferation of cancer cells. The consumption of dates may also be beneficial in controlling diabetes through the increase of insulin production and the reduction of glucose absorption.

Products

Deglet Nour.

PACKAGING

2 kg
5 kg

FARMING

Conventional and organic.

HARVEST

The harvesting time takes place from August to October.

Key Points

Global production reached 1 million metric tons in 2017.
Saudi Arabia was the top producer of dates. It was followed by Iran (17%), the UAE (12%), Tunisia (10%) and Egypt and Algeria, with a similar share (9%).
Estimated world apricot consumption: 927,000 MT in 2016.