Dates (barhi)

Dates are chewy with a sweet flavor. They are also high in some important nutrients and have a variety of advantages and uses.

Dates are the fruits of a palm tree that thrives in extremely hot temperatures, low humidity, and full sun. They need well-draining, sandy loam soil that is mixed with aged manure and requires high amounts of water around the roots. Date palms have both male and female trees and need to be hand pollinated to ensure a healthy crop. They also need to be thinned as the fruit forms to create room for larger fruit growth. Dates are harvested in the fall and are covered with muslin bags on the trees to protect from birds and insects. Once mature, Dates are hand harvested and sorted for use.