Get to Know
The Medjool Date
History
Dates are one of the oldest known tree crop to be farmed as an important source of food for humans, with evidence of cultivation dating back as far as 7000 B.C. Originating in the Middle East region, date palms have great social and religious importance, celebrated in both the Qu’ran and the Bible.
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“There is among the trees, one which is blessed – it is the date palm, for it was created from the earth left over from the creation of Adam.”- Prophet Mohammad (pbuh)
In the Christian tradition, the palm branch is associated with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
With more than 3,000 date varieties available around the world, the Medjool is considered the “king of dates” due to its succulence and rich caramel-like taste, qualities that historically made it reserved for royalty.
The famed Medjool date might not exist at all today if it were not for the extraordinary efforts taken in the 1920s by a botanist from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Dr. Walter Swingle. In 1927, following a disease process called the “Baioudh”, the Medjool population was on the verge of extinction in Morocco. Luckily, a small number of healthy Medjool offshoots were acquired by Dr. Swingle, transported to the United States, and planted under quarantine conditions in the southern Nevada desert.
Today, most of the Medjool palms in the world are from the nine survivors of the eleven offshoots brought to the U.S. to be saved from extinction!
Nutritional Value
Medjool dates are enjoyed for their great taste and natural sweetness. Large and dark in color, with a caramel-like taste, they are like candy grown on a tree!
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Medjool dates also have a very rich nutritional value, add much to an everyday diet and make an outstanding alternative food for those who are health-conscious. Medjool dates are full of energy-enhancing carbohydrates, protein, magnesium, vitamin B complex and other minerals and they are free of sodium, fat and cholesterol. Medjool dates are an excellent sources of fiber, contain more potassium than bananas, are high in natural sugars and rich in iron.
