Date palm africa. Date palm: how and where dates grow

Dates are one of the most important staple foods for the people of hot deserts and semi-deserts in the tropical and subtropical regions of North Africa and Western Asia. Their dried fruits are sold in stores around the world. Several types of dates are also popular as ornamental houseplants.

Date palm is the most important fruit crop of tropical deserts and semi-deserts

Dates are the fruits of the date palm. All numerous varieties of dates on the world market belong to the same botanical species - the palm date (real date palm).

The fruits of some other types of date palms are also edible and are used for food by the local population in the regions where they grow, but these fruits are not available on the world market.

Dates - the fruit of the date palm

The real date palm is widely grown in North Africa, West Asia, Pakistan and the arid regions of India. Small plantations of finger dates are also found on the Mediterranean coast of southern Europe, in the hot arid regions of the United States, Australia and South Africa. It is one of the few plants ideally adapted to the hot, dry climate of southern deserts and semi-deserts.

Dates are widely grown throughout the Mediterranean coastline, including southern Europe.

For date plantations, sunny places with the presence of underground aquifers or with the possibility of artificial irrigation are chosen. When planting, seedlings are placed according to the scheme 8 x 8 or 10 x 10 meters, depending on varietal characteristics and soil conditions. The offspring from adult fruiting plants are used as planting material. Date palm seedlings are very heterogeneous in their economic characteristics and are not used for setting up industrial plantations.

When and how dates bloom

The date palm is a dioecious plant. Male and female inflorescences are located on different specimens. Date palms are pollinated by the wind. When laying commercial plantations for every several dozen female trees, a male specimen is necessarily planted for cross-pollination. Date palms bloom from February to November, depending on the variety and region. It is possible to determine the sex of plants only during flowering. It takes about a year to ripen the fruit.

Male inflorescences of date palms do not bear fruit, but are necessary for pollination

Male specimens of the date palm bloom in large, racemose inflorescences consisting of small, three-petalled flowers with numerous stamens. For better pollination, blossoming male inflorescences are often cut and suspended in the crowns of flowering female trees.

In the old days, cut male inflorescences were often dried and stored in reserve for several years in linen sacks to ensure the harvest of dates even if the male pollinator tree died.

Male date palm flowers have three petals and several stamens

On female date palm trees, the inflorescences are also arranged in large clusters, but they look a little different.

The female inflorescence of the date palm is the basis for the future harvest of dates

The female date flower looks like a small ball without petals. In case of successful pollination, a date fruit will grow from each such ball-flower.

Female date palm flowers look like tiny balls without petals

How dates bear fruit

Date palms begin to bear fruit early. The first fruits on female specimens appear already at the age of four. Young palms by this time have not yet had time to grow a high trunk, and bunches of dates often end up lying on the ground. On some plantations, such fruit clusters are tied to supports to avoid contact with the soil, but this is not done always and everywhere. That is why the dates purchased at the bazaar or in the store are strongly recommended to be washed before use, especially in countries with an unfavorable sanitary and epidemiological situation.

In young date palms, fruit clusters often touch the ground.

Dates are harvested by hand. This is a very dangerous and difficult job. Pickers climb trees and use special curved knives to cut off clusters of ripe fruits, then gently lower them to the ground.

Harvesting dates by hand is hard and dangerous work

In the northern hemisphere, dates are ripening from May to December. In May, they begin to harvest early varieties in the south of the Arabian Peninsula. The main harvest in most of North Africa and West Asia takes place from August to October.

Picking dates in Tunisia (video)

An adult date palm can simultaneously have 3 to 20 large clusters of fruits. The weight of each hand usually ranges from 7 to 18 kilograms. The harvest from young trees is small, only 10–20 kilograms of fruits from one tree, but it increases every year and at the age of 15 the trees already produce 60–100 kilograms of dates per year. The yield of mature palms in good conditions can reach 150-250 kilograms of dates from each tree annually. Palms bear fruit for up to 80-100 years or more; cases of regular fruiting of 200-year-old trees are known.

On an adult palm, several large brushes of dates ripen at once during the fruiting period

The single fruit of the date is a juicy, fleshy berry with one large seed. The color of dates, depending on the variety, is yellow, orange, red or brownish. The size of the fruit reaches 8 centimeters in length and 4 centimeters in diameter. Each fruit contains one large oblong bone with a longitudinal groove.

Each date hides one large oblong bone

Different varieties of dates are used for food, fresh or dried. Fresh dates can be tasted only in the regions where they grow. Dried fruits that can be stored for many months come to the world market. Depending on the variety, they are soft, semi-dry or dry.

The benefits and harms of dates

Dates are a very popular sweet treat that can replace candy and sugar. They contain small amounts of B vitamins, carotene (provitamin A) and vitamin K. Of the minerals, dates are especially rich in potassium, also contain calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and small amounts of iron, sodium, zinc, copper and manganese. The high potassium content makes dates beneficial for cardiovascular diseases. The calorie content of dates is very high and reaches 280-340 kcal per 100 grams of product, depending on the variety.

Sweet high-calorie dates are categorically contraindicated in diabetes and obesity. You should not abuse this delicacy and healthy people.

Sweet and tasty dates are just a popular delicacy, but not a panacea for all diseases.

The articles flooding the Internet about the mythical super-usefulness of dates have absolutely no scientific basis.

Yes, dates are indeed one of the staple foods of the poor in the tropical desert zone, but this is only for the banal reason that other agricultural plants simply do not survive in the hot and dry desert climate.

What are royal dates and where do they grow

Royal Dates is the trade name for the Medjoul date palm, grown in many countries in North Africa and West Asia, as well as in South Africa and the United States. Royal dates differ from other varieties only by their larger size and nothing else, their chemical composition is completely identical to other varieties.

Royal dates - large-fruited date palm Medjoul

Plantation of royal dates on video

Other types of date palms, their distribution in the wild and in culture

In addition to the most widely known finger date, there are several related species of date palms. All of them have large feathery leaves, reaching several meters in length, and are dioecious plants (male and female flowers develop on different specimens).

Types of date palms and regions of their growth in the wild (table)

Finger dates

Finger dates (real date palm, common date palm) usually grows 10-15 meters high, sometimes up to 25-30 meters. At the base of the trunks of adult palms, numerous offspring are formed, which are used for reproduction. It is believed that the real date palm has not survived in the wild, and all of its numerous specimens, found in abundance in the deserts and semi-deserts of North Africa and the Middle East, are feral descendants of cultivated plants and grow on the site of abandoned ancient oases.

Numerous offshoots are formed at the base of the trunks of common date palms

Finger dates are very photophilous, they perfectly tolerate high temperatures, strong winds and dust storms that often occur in deserts. Soil salinity tolerates relatively easily. This palm tree can grow on clean sand and is very drought-resistant, but only if its roots reach deep underground waters, otherwise it needs regular irrigation. In a dry climate of deserts and semi-deserts, the palm date easily withstands short-term frosts down to -15 ° C, but in a more humid climate it dies already at -9 ° C.

The real date palm is one of the very few plants that can grow in desert conditions.

Date Theophrastus (Cretan date palm) grows up to 15 meters in height. Naturally, this palm tree is found in southern Greece, Crete and several neighboring islands, on the nearby coast of Turkey. It is the only date palm species found in the wild in Europe. The size of the fruits of the Cretan date does not exceed 1.5 centimeters in length and 1 centimeter in diameter, they have a fibrous pulp with a mediocre taste, but sometimes they are still used as food by the local population. This palm forms a lot of root growth. The Cretan date can withstand short-term drops in temperature down to -11 ° C.

Theophrastus' date is the only wild date palm in Europe

The Canary date (Canary date palm) usually grows 10–20 meters high, but in exceptional cases it can reach 40 meters in height. This palm tree is endemic to the Canary Islands and is not found anywhere else in the wild. It is widely grown as an ornamental plant in open ground in Southern Europe, Western Asia, the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, North and South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, in the subtropics of North and South America. In countries of temperate climates, it is very popular as a house and greenhouse plant. Compared to the finger date, the Canary date is more resistant to high air humidity, which ensured its wide distribution throughout the world. The Canary date palm can withstand short-term cold snaps down to -9 ° C.

The Canary date is often grown as an ornamental tree in countries with subtropical climates.

On the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, the Canary date usually blooms in late autumn, but in some years flowering can begin much earlier, already in the middle of summer. If in winter after flowering there was no frost below -5 ° C, then in December next year the fruits will ripen. Ripe fruits of the Canary date are yellowish-brown, egg-shaped, reaching 2.5 centimeters in length and 1.5 centimeters in width. In principle, they are edible, but in practice they are not eaten because of the coarse fiber pulp.

Canary date fruits look attractive, but hardly edible due to the coarse fiber pulp

The rejected date (bent date, wild date palm, Senegalese date palm) comes from tropical Africa, where it is grown almost everywhere. It is a multi-stemmed palm tree with a height of 7 to 15 meters. Its small fruits are edible and widely used for food by the local population of African countries in the area of ​​its natural growth. This palm is resistant to salty sea spray and moderate drought, therefore it is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in dry tropical regions of many countries of the world. Extreme frost resistance -5 ° C. The rejected date easily crosses with other types of date palms. In terms of their economic qualities, such hybrid seedlings often turn out to be much worse than the original parental forms.

Date rejected - wild African date palm with edible fruits

Forest dates (wild date palm, Indian date palm, silver date palm, sugar date palm) are native to India and adjacent countries (Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka). Grows from 4 to 15 meters in height. The fruits are edible and widely consumed by the local population. In terms of fruit quality, this palm tree ranks second after the palm date and is actively grown as a fruit crop in the countries of South Asia.

Dates forest - Indian date palm, often grown on plantations in India and surrounding countries

From the trunks of this palm tree, sweet sap is also extracted, which is used to make sugar and palm wine. The forest date is drought tolerant and moderately tolerant of soil salinity. Extreme frost resistance -5 ° C.

The fruits of the Indian date palm are almost as good as real dates.

Rocky date (rocky date) grows up to 6, sometimes up to 8 meters in height. It occurs naturally in the mountain forests of India and Bhutan. It is grown in culture very rarely. Its small fruits with large seeds do not exceed 2 centimeters in length. They are edible, but have no economic value. Extreme frost resistance -3 ° C.

Rocky date from the mountain forests of the Himalayas

The Robelena date (dwarf date palm) grows no higher than 3 meters in height. It occurs naturally in the forests of Vietnam, Laos and South China. This beautiful miniature palm is very popular as an ornamental plant in the tropical zone and in indoor culture. Dies in frosts below -3 ° C. The fruits are small and have no economic value.

The Robelena date is a very popular ornamental plant.

Marsh date (mangrove date palm, sea date) is a medium-sized palm tree, reaching no more than 5 meters in height. It grows in coastal mangrove forests on the sea coasts of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia. The only date species that can grow in waterlogged soils. This is a very thermophilic plant of the humid tropics, almost never found in culture due to its specific requirements for growing conditions. The fruits are very small.

Marsh date - plant of humid tropical mangrove forests

The fruits of all types of date palms are edible, among them there are no poisonous ones, but many of them have no economic value due to their too small size or coarse fibrous pulp.

Fruits of different types of date palms (photo gallery)

Canarian date is often grown as an ornamental plant on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus

More resistant to high air and soil humidity, the Canary date is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant throughout the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus in Russia (Krasnodar Territory), Abkhazia and Georgia. Individual specimens of the Canary date are also found on the southern coast of Crimea and in Azerbaijan (Baku, Lankaran).

In the collections of botanical gardens in the subtropical zone of the Krasnodar Territory of Russia, there are also single specimens of forest dates and dates of the rejected, but these species have not received mass distribution.

Date palms should be planted in areas well-lit by the sun, protected from cold winds. The soil should be well-drained, without stagnant water. The Canary date grows best in soils with a high lime content.

Young date palm plants are less frost-resistant than adults

Young plants of date palms often freeze out even during short-term frosts down to -8 ..- 9 ° C, so they usually have to be insulated for the winter with reed mats or breathable agrofibre. In winter shelter, it is especially important to protect the apical growth point at the base of young leaves from frost. With significant damage to the growth point, the palm tree almost inevitably dies. Mature palms are generally more hardy, but at -10 ..- 12 ° C they are severely damaged and can die.

In the conditions of Ukraine, any types of date palms in the open field are very short-lived, even with a winter shelter.

Growing date palms at home

In indoor and greenhouse culture, various types of date palms are often grown. The most popular dates are finger, Canarian and Robelena. The latter two are more decorative, but novice flower growers most often experiment with fingertip due to the readiness of its seeds (you can sow seeds from food dates sold in grocery stores). Finger dates are often grown in rooms due to the readiness of its seeds.

Of course, no fruiting and harvest of dates in indoor conditions should be expected. The indoor date palm is a purely decorative plant.

At home, a date palm is easy to grow from seeds from purchased dates:

How to sow the seeds of dates correctly (video)

The first feathery leaves appear in date palm seedlings 1-3 years after sowing. If at this age the leaves still remain intact, then the plants do not have enough light. Date palms are very light-requiring. In the summer, you can put them on the balcony or in the garden; it is very useful for them to be in the fresh air. In winter, the room temperature should be around + 15 ° C. Watering is required in moderation, the soil in the pot should be constantly slightly moist in the depths. Drying of an earthen coma and waterlogging are equally dangerous. Date palm pots are preferably tall, with mandatory drainage holes in the bottom and a drainage layer of pebbles or expanded clay at the bottom of the pot. Young plants are transplanted every year in spring, adults can be less often, once every 2-3 years. In very large old plants growing in large and heavy containers, it is sometimes recommended, instead of time-consuming transplantation, to be limited to partial replacement of the top layer of the earth with a fresh one. It is not necessary to spray palm leaves with water, but it is necessary to regularly wipe them from dust with a slightly damp cloth or sponge.

Date Robelena - one of the most beautiful indoor palms with feathery leaves

During my childhood, in the spacious and light lobby of our school, among other plants, there were several large and beautiful date palms in wooden tubs, each with a volume of about twenty or thirty liters. I don’t remember that they were ever transplanted, but we were sent regularly to wipe the leaves while on duty.
My own attempts to grow dates from seeds were not very successful: the first time nothing came out (probably the fruits were too old or overheated when dried, they were very suspiciously dry). And the second time, although I managed to wait for the shoots, my nasty omnivorous cat decided that it was such a new cat grass, and quickly dealt with the palm seedlings.

The fruits are dates, oblong or oval in shape, reaching 7.5 s in length and 3.5 cm in diameter. They are high in nutrients, distinguished by healing properties. Dates are used as a delicacy in fresh, candied and dried form.

In the photo below you can see how dates look on a palm tree in their natural growing area and dates ready to eat:

Dates on the palm

Dried and dried dates

Roots

The date palm root system is highly sensitive to low temperatures. It is not placed on a windowsill or cold floor.

Leaves

Date palm leaves have the following characteristics:

• large;
• curved shape;
• pinnate;
• pointed at the top;
• are arranged in a bundle or evenly;
• short petioles, often with thorns;
• when flowering in the axils of the leaves, paniculate inflorescences of yellow color appear.

Date palm species

The main varieties of palm trees include:

Canary

Homeland - Canary Islands. It can reach a height of 20 meters. Leaves are strong, pinnate, up to 5 meters long, the crown can include up to 200 leaves. The petiole is not too large, with spines. The inflorescence is axillary, reaching 2 meters. This type is used in home greenhouses.

Canary date palm

Fingered

Homeland - North Africa, Iran, Libya, Iraq. Height 30 meters, powerful leaves are located at the top. The inflorescence can hang down due to the large weight of the fruit. The fruits are egg-shaped, the flesh of which is protected by a hard shell. Dates of this type are very beneficial for the body.

Palm date palm

Curved

Homeland - tropical and subtropical forests of Africa. It grows in several trunks at once, the height of which reaches 7 meters. The leaves are pinnate, belt-like, and can be up to 6 meters long. This type of palm is well cultivated in partial shade, in diffused light.

Curved date palm

Robelena

The humid Indian tropics are considered homeland. The height of the tree is 2 meters, and there may be several trunks. The leaves are narrow and drooping, 50 to 60 cm long, located on a thin, short petiole. This type of palm tree is successfully grown indoors.

Robelena

Stony

Homeland - the mountainous part of India. The trunk is straight, reaching 7 meters in height. Arched plumose leaves can be up to 2 meters long. They grow densely, linearly, the inflorescence has a small petiole covered with thorns. It is successfully grown in greenhouses.

Rocky date palm

Forest

It grows in lowlands, along valleys and rivers, in the eastern regions of India. The trunk of the plant is single with feathery leaves hanging down at the top. Their length often reaches 4 meters. Petiole with dense thorns, about a meter in diameter. The inflorescence is axillary, about 80 cm long.

Forest date

Ceylon

Homeland - Sri Lanka. The plant prefers a humid subtropical climate, found in river valleys and lowlands. The leaves are pinnate, somewhat smaller in size than those of their specific counterparts. The petiole is often small and covered with sharp thorns. It is successfully grown in greenhouses.

Ceylon date palm

Typical problems

The main problems in the cultivation of the date palm are related with a lack of certain nutrients.

• The leaves turned light green and the plant stopped growing - it lacks nitrogen.
• Bronze spots appeared on the leaves, over time, necrosis of the edges appears, the leaf dries up and curls - the plant needs potassium.
• With a lack of magnesium, a light yellow stripe appears along the edge of the leaves, and the center remains bright green.
• The leaf develops poorly, signs of chlorosis and large necrotic stripes appear - an obvious lack of manganese.

Diseases and pests

Symptoms are stunted young shoots, the leaf rots from the base, with the development of the disease, rotting spreads to the trunk. The presence of a thick brown liquid and pink spore masses is observed.

The method of struggle is methyl thiophanate and mankozeb once a week until the plant is completely healed.

The most common pests include:

Among the sparing methods of saving a domestic palm tree from pests, the following means are distinguished:

• Infusion of garlic.

  Chopped garlic is poured with boiling water at the rate of 1 head per liter of water. The "mixture" that has been infused for 7 days is used for spraying. 10 liters. only 50 ml of water is enough. such a solution.

• Infusion of onions.

  Fresh onions are grated, or chopped in a blender and poured with water in a 1: 1 ratio. The "fragrant" mixture is left in a closed jar for 8 days, then used for spraying at the rate of 20 ml. infusion for 10 liters. water

• Laundry soap.

  200 gr. grate soap and dissolve in 10 liters. clean hot water. The solution is used for spraying.

We have also prepared an article for you with detailed information about all possible diseases of the date palm, what to do with drying leaves and how to rejuvenate the plant. You can read the material.

Reproduction

The date palm at home propagates only by seeds.- in other words, bones.

Sequencing:

1. The stone of a fresh date is peeled from the pulp and allowed to dry completely.
2. After it is soaked in water for 24-72 hours in 35-40 degrees water. On the first day, the most viable seeds will sink to the bottom.
3. The water needs to be changed daily.
4. After soaking, the bone is washed in running water, rubbing between the palms.
5. Sterilized soil mixture: leaf soil + perlite + vermiculite in proportions 1: 1: 1, acidity 5.5-7.0, pour into disposable cups (soil level 15 mm below the edge), water.
6. We plant the seeds one at a time in cups, pressing them and sprinkling them with soil 5 mm. Cover the surface with a layer of charcoal (3-5 mm), water it.
7. The temperature of the soil for germination is 32-35 degrees, bright diffused light, the soil should not dry out.
8. Germination period 7 - 9 months.
9. When the first leaf of the new plant grows to 2-4 cm, the seedlings can be transplanted into permanent pots.

Young plants will need protection from direct sunlight in the first year of life.

Read more on how to grow a date palm from seed.

Useful video

In this video you will find useful information on growing date palm from seed:


Conclusion

In conclusion, it is worth noting that growing a date palm is not as difficult as it seems. Take into account all the above tips and you will certainly succeed.

Almost everyone has probably tasted dates in the form of dried fruits. But fresh fruits are few. Even fewer have seen them grow. Meanwhile, the date palm is one of the most ancient cultures "domesticated" by man, highly revered in the countries of the Arab East. Its fruits are not only tasty, but also extremely healthy. Unfortunately, in Russia, the cultivation of date palms in the open field is impossible because of the climate that is categorically unsuitable for the plant, but amateur flower growers keep them at home. Such a plant will become a very effective interior decoration.

How and where do dates grow?

The date palm, as you might guess, belongs to the Palm family. It has been cultivated by humanity for over four thousand years. Its historical homeland is the Arabian Peninsula, the Middle East and the Mediterranean coast of Africa. Certain varieties are also found in the Canary Islands. But during the time of cultivation in "captivity" the habitat of the plant has expanded significantly. Now date palms are grown on an industrial scale in Iran, Israel, India, Pakistan, Central and Latin America, in the southern United States (Texas, Arizona, California) and even in Australia. Among the leading exporters of dates are those states on whose territory the palm tree was first "domesticated" - Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco. The only European country where the palm tree regularly bears fruit is Spain.

In nature, date palms grow on almost bare stones and sand.

The culture of the ancient Arab East was very closely associated with the cultivation of date palms. Many scientists believe that it was this plant that largely contributed to the formation of the modern landscape in these territories and made, in principle, possible survival in the local climate. Thanks to the date palm, the system of oasis farming developed, in its shade other agricultural crops were successfully growing, dying under the scorching sun. The locals understood this very well, and almost idolized the plant, calling the palm tree “the nurse”, “the queen of oases” and “the tree of prosperity”, and the fruits themselves - “bread of the desert”. A person's condition was calculated based on the number of camels and date palms belonging to him.

Dates are an important part of the diet in the countries of the Arab East

In Latin, the date palm is called Phoenix. Such a poetic name for the genus was given back in the 17th century by the famous Swedish botanist and systematizer Karl Linnaeus. Indeed, the plant can be compared to a bird rising from the ashes. After all, it rises from the hot desert sands. The date palm is not afraid of extremely high temperatures, extremely low air humidity, it successfully tolerates the annual precipitation rate tending to zero, strong sandstorms, dry winds. Culture in the course of evolution has found a very interesting way out. The date palm grows and develops exclusively at night, at relatively low temperatures. The cells at the top of the trunk, at the point of growth, wait out the heat of the day, plunging into a kind of "hibernation".

Where the climate permits, the date palm is often planted in plots for decorative purposes.

The productive life of a date palm is 150-200 years. During this time, depending on the species, it grows up to 15–40 m in height. But there are also several dwarf varieties that do not overcome the “bar” of 2–3 m. The plant's trunk is straight, columnar, covered with crescent-shaped “scars” - these are the places where the stalks of dead leaves are attached. They themselves are complex-pinnate with arcuate curved petioles. The length of such a “fan” reaches 2–6 m. The plant forms up to 10–12 new leaves per year. They are tough to the touch, like plastic. The tips are noticeably prickly. In nature, young date palms with leaves sticking out in all directions form practically impenetrable thickets.

Date palm leaves resemble giant fans

The date palm is a dioecious plant. This means that there are trees with only male and only female flowers. And in order for the fruit to set, cross-pollination is necessary. It passes very easily with the help of the wind. Therefore, on the same palm, fruits that are completely different in size, shape, color and taste often ripen. To prevent this, when cultivated on an industrial scale, pollinator varieties are selected with all responsibility, and the procedure is carried out exclusively by hand.

Blooming date palm looks very impressive

Date palm flowers are collected in 6-10 inflorescences, beautifully cascading. Their length is about 1 m. The petals (there are three of them) are colored straw-yellow. In male flowers, they open completely, female flowers are more like balls. In the core of the male flower there are six stamens, the female - the same number, but shortened, and three pistils. Only one of them will subsequently bear fruit. Much more male flowers are formed on one palm - about 12,000 versus 2,500.

Male flowers do not set fruit, they are needed exclusively for pollination

If pollination is carried out manually, you need to be on time with it. Female flowers are susceptible to pollen for two or three days, no more. And she herself continues to remain viable until the end of the active growing season and can be stored under optimal conditions for ten or more years.

Fruits ripen within 8-10 months. Flowering occurs in November-December. By about April, they acquire a slight yellowish tint. In May, they reach the size of a large cherry. Dates gain full ripeness only by August. They grow, like flowers, in clusters. From a distance, they look like giant bunches of grapes. Each of them weighs 7–18 kg. The yield is very high. Depending on the variety, an adult tree bears 100–250 kg of fruit annually. The first fruits (about 10 kg) are harvested within 5–6 years after planting in the ground. The plant reaches its maximum by the age of 13–15. Crop is harvested only by hand. Collectors climb trees, cut off the brushes with special knives and carefully lower them to the ground.

The date palm has a very high yield

The fruit of the date is more or less juicy, very fleshy berry. The pulp contains one large seed with a clearly visible longitudinal "seam". The skin can be bright yellow, golden orange, dull red or reddish brown. The average length of the fruit is about 8 cm, the diameter is up to 4 cm.

Harvesting dates is a dangerous business.

Video: flowering and fruiting of the date palm

The date palm in the east is prized not only for its fruit. All parts of the plant are used. Leaves and wood are building materials and fuels. The former are also used as animal feed. Ropes are woven from the fibers covering the trunk, and coarse fabric is woven. Leather products are impregnated with juice to make them durable and waterproof, and wine and molasses are made from it. Flowers and buds are added to salads, and crushed seeds are added to the dough from which bread is baked.

Fresh dates in the East are widely used for the preparation of all kinds of desserts, the fruits are distinguished by a unique composition

In terms of composition, dates are extremely rich in vitamins and microelements. First of all, one can note the presence of potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, copper, manganese, zinc, selenium, as well as vitamins of group B, A, E, K and essential amino acids (niacin, thiamine). Dried fruits are distinguished by a very high content of dietary fiber and simple carbohydrates - up to 65%. This is several times more than any other fruit. Therefore, dates are extremely nutritious. It has been scientifically proven that one fruit and 200 ml of milk contain the minimum of nutrients that a person needs to maintain efficiency throughout the day. Dried dates contain the most antioxidants compared to other dried fruits.

Dried dates contain many antioxidants - these substances help slow down the aging process, stimulate tissue renewal at the cellular level

Traditional medicine recommends regularly including dates in the diet for problems with appetite, malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract, in order to restore vision, to prevent diseases of the liver, heart and blood vessels. They are also very useful for pregnant women - this has a positive effect on the health of the fetus and the mother's immunity.

But everything, as you know, is good in moderation. Dates should not be overused either. It is quite enough 10-12 fruits per day. This is a rather heavy food, it takes a long time to digest. Therefore, you should not eat dates before bed. The texture of fruits, especially dried ones, is sticky, in large quantities this "gum" is poorly absorbed, interferes with the normal secretion of the stomach. She also sticks to the teeth and can provoke the development of caries. And with diabetes mellitus of any type, dates are simply contraindicated due to the high (280–350 kcal per 100 g) calorie content. They are also not recommended for fructose intolerance. In this case, the fruit can provoke bloating, an attack of flatulence and diarrhea.

Date desserts are a healthy alternative to chocolate and candy

Date oil is widely used in cosmetology to soften the skin and get rid of imperfections. And Arab women have long, before going to bed, eyeliner with a powder of ground and burnt dry fruits, considering this to be the best way to lengthen eyelashes.

Video: health benefits of dates

Varieties and varieties of culture

All varieties of crops grown for export have one "parent" - this is the common or finger date. The height of the tree reaches 10–15 m, root shoots are formed in abundance at its base. The plant is photophilous, characterized by extreme heat and drought resistance. In a dry climate, it successfully tolerates a drop in temperature to -15 ° C, with high humidity it dies already at -9 ° C.

Finger dates - the "parent" of all varieties of culture, both ancient and modern

The date palm is a dioecious plant. Therefore, cross-pollination often leads to the emergence of a new variety. At the moment, there are more than five thousand of them. Those who grow dates on an industrial scale divide them into three large groups - dry, semi-dry and soft, with a nectar content of less than 18%, 18–20% and 20–23%, respectively. The latter are most often consumed fresh, the former are easy to transport, suitable for preparing dried fruits. The remaining category is a kind of "golden mean" with a universal purpose.

The most common soft varieties are:

• Mazfati. A group of varieties (there are more than 20), is widely cultivated on an industrial scale in Iran. It is often found on sale under the trademarks "Caspirus", "Zar", "Caspian", "Kaspiran". The skin is dark, the shade varies from milk-chocolate to almost black. Fruits are barrel-shaped, 3-4.5 cm long. Light caramel flavor is characteristic.
• Kabkab. Also grown mainly in Iran. The sweetest date. It is called honey not only because of this, but also because of the amber-yellow skin. The fruits are large (9-15 cm long), elongated. The stone is small, sticks strongly to the pulp. High sugar content provides good shelf life - up to six months at home and 18–20 months at a temperature of about 18 ° C.
• Hasui. In terms of sweetness, it practically does not lose to the previous variety. The fruits are almost spherical, 4–5 cm in diameter. The peel is usually yellowish-brown, but depending on the region of cultivation, its hue can change to dark yellow or chocolate-violet.
• Barhi. The main exporters are Saudi Arabia and Israel. The fruits are comparable in size and shape to walnuts or small apples. The skin is sunny yellow, very thin. The pulp is fragrant (notes of honey, vanilla and lemon balm are distinguished in the smell). These dates are eaten mostly fresh. They are lower in calories than other varieties. When dried, a caramel flavor appears, the skin is separated from the pulp.
• Anbar. One of the elite varieties grown in Saudi Arabia. Fruits are medium-sized (2.5-3 cm long), oval. The skin is brown-red, the stone is small. It is valued for its high protein content and has the ability to accelerate tissue regeneration.
• Hadravi. Grown in Iraq. Fruits are oval, 4–5 cm long. The skin is reddish-golden, the flesh is very sticky, with a caramel aroma, slightly crispy. These dates are ideal for making purees and desserts.
• Majul. The variety was bred in Morocco, widely cultivated in Israel and the USA. Officially recognized as the "King of Dates". Fruits are elongated, up to 8 cm. The skin is thin, chocolate brown. The pulp is caramelly sweet.
• Hiyani. Egyptian dates. Also grown in Israel. Fruits are in the form of a cylinder, up to 5 cm long. As they ripen, the skin changes color from bright scarlet to dark purple, almost black. The pulp is very aromatic.

Photo gallery: the best varieties of soft dates

Dates Mazfati is a whole group of varieties Kabkab dates are very sweet, literally sugary fruits. Hasui's date skin coloration is highly dependent on the cultivation conditions. Barhi dates are grown mainly for fresh consumption. Anbara dates are an elite variety with excellent taste. Hadravi dates are suitable raw materials for making all kinds of desserts The Majul variety is officially recognized as the king of dates. Khiyani dates have a very rich aroma

Sayer dates are low in calories Rabi dates are among the first to ripen Dates Dekel Nur is the leader in the volume of global exports Khudri dates are almost round fruits of different sizes. Safavi dates stand out for their balanced taste and pronounced aroma. Sukkari dates - one of the elite varieties Halawi dates are eaten even unripe Ajva dates have been cultivated in the East for thousands of years. Sagai dates - a variety with a unique skin color

Dry dates:

• Turi. The most common variety in this category. Originally from Algeria. Also found under the name "bread date". The skin is hard, the pulp is dry, not sticky at all, sweetish, with a slight nutty aftertaste. It is used as a filling for baking, goes into salads.
• Come on in. One of the oldest varieties. Bred in Iran. Ripens quite late. Large (up to 8 cm long) fruits with a dark yellow or brownish skin. The stone is large, easily separated from the pulp. This is the main raw material for the manufacture of silane - date honey.
• Sokari. A variety from the UAE. The fruits are cone-shaped, the flesh is hard and crispy. When biting, it clearly feels like grains of sugar. The skin is bright yellow, strongly wrinkled.

Photo gallery: varieties of dry dates

Turi is the most popular dry date variety The variety of dates Zahedi has been known to mankind for a very long time. Socari dates are characterized by high sugar content

At home, the Robelen date is most often grown. The height of a tree even in nature reaches a maximum of 3 m. There can be 2-3 trunks. The leaves are rather narrow, 50-60 cm long. Petioles are short, thin. Does not tolerate frosts -3 ° C and below. The fruits are small, inedible.

The date of Robelena, in comparison with its "congeners", has much more modest dimensions.

Another option for cultivation in "captivity" is the Canary date. In nature, the height of a tree reaches 10–20 m, at home it is limited to 2.5–3 m. Compared to “relatives”, it tolerates high air humidity much better. Where the climate permits, it is widely used in landscape design. Withstands a short-term drop in temperature to -9 ° C. The fruits are small, in principle edible, but the pulp is very coarse, fibrous, slightly sweetish.

Canary dates are suitable for growing at home, because they do not need extremely low air humidity.

Planting and caring for a date palm

Finger dates, unlike other palms, have a very good cold resistance. A tree accustomed to the extreme heat of the desert is capable of surviving prolonged temperature drops down to -14 ° C.

This palm is practically indifferent to the quality of the soil. In nature, the tree successfully exists on bare sands. This is possible due to the fact that its root system is very powerful and developed. The rod goes into the soil for a dozen meters or even more, feeding from groundwater. By the way, the ancient Arabs, focusing on the date palms, laid the routes of the caravans. If these trees grow somewhere in the middle of the desert, there is always water nearby, you just need to find it. Also, the culture successfully takes root on heavy clay and poor stony soils. Even the high level of salinity of the substrate does not scare her.

Considering the very few "requirements" of the plant, date plantations are set up in open, well-lit and sun-warmed places. Winds, even the strongest, are not a hindrance to palm trees. The main thing is to make sure that there is groundwater in the selected area or build an artificial irrigation system. And also give each plant a sufficient area for food, otherwise they will simply "choke" each other. Depending on the variety, 8-10 m are left between neighboring palms, the row spacing is approximately the same.

Date plantations are planted where the plants receive enough heat and sunlight.

As planting material, only the root shoots of adult fruit-bearing palms are used. Planting seedlings obtained from seeds is a kind of lottery, which in no way can be afforded when growing fruits on an industrial scale. Varietal characteristics of such plants vary greatly. At home, on the contrary, it is extremely popular to cultivate date palms, grown with their own hands from seeds. All the same, in principle, they do not bear fruit.

In Russia, date palms are grown mainly at home, they develop rather slowly

Video: date plantation

The Russian climate, as it was found out empirically, is categorically not suitable for the cultivation of date palms on an industrial scale. They want the tropics, or at least the subtropics. This requirement is met by the Black Sea coast, but the culture there is not satisfied with the high humidity. In the Sochi region, for example, date palms are planted exclusively as ornamental plants. They bloom, sometimes even the fruits ripen, but their quality is extremely low.

At the same time, young plants under the age of 10 years can be irreversibly damaged even when the temperature drops to -8–10 ° C. Therefore, for the winter, the bases of the stems are wrapped in any air-permeable covering material in several layers, they are covered with straw or reed mats. It is imperative to close the apical growth point. Sawdust, peat and sand are introduced into the planting pit, dispensing with fertilizers at all.

In the USSR in the 50s of the last century, an experiment was carried out with the aim of establishing the possibility of growing dates on the territory of the state. Success was achieved only in the dry climate in the south of Turkmenistan. At the same time, the Iranian seedlings planted there massively froze out in the very first winter, but about 20% of the seedlings grown from seeds here were saved. After five years, the palm tree bore fruit. And after another ten, the plants that survived to this age successfully survived the winter, during which the temperature dropped to -13 ° C for a long time, however, having lost all the leaves. They grew back only in the fall. The height of the tree by this time reached 8 m, the girth of the trunk was 1 m. It regularly bore fruit, bringing about 50 kg of dates.

Cultivating a plant at home

The date palm at home can be obtained by germinating seeds extracted from fresh, dried or dried fruits that have not undergone heat treatment. Before planting, they need to be soaked for 2-3 days in warm, settled water with the addition of any biostimulant, then scarification (slightly cut the shell with a scalpel or razor blade) and hold the same amount in water.

For planting at home, not only seeds from fresh dates are suitable, the main thing is that the fruits are not subjected to heat treatment

Seeds sprout for a long time, at least 2-3 months. You can speed up the process a little by putting a plastic bag on the container to create a greenhouse effect. The appearance of characteristic feathery leaves will have to wait 5-7 years.

Date seeds have a hard shell, so you will have to wait a long time for seedlings to appear.

Video: stone date palm at home

The plant needs sunlight for at least 10 hours daily. With a lack of it, the leaves become brittle, unnaturally stretched, and easily break. Therefore, the pot is placed closer to the window facing south, southwest, southeast. In the summer, if the size of the palm tree allows, it is taken out into the fresh air. The optimum temperature in summer is 25 ° C and above. In winter - about 16 ° C. The critical minimum is 5 ° C. It is insensitive to air humidity, but the leaves need to be wiped from dust from time to time. In hot weather, it is useful to spray the plant daily and shower it weekly. Domestic palms are much less hardy than wild palms.

The date palm is placed closer to the window, but it is advisable to protect young plants from direct sunlight

The correct date pot is similar in shape to a bucket - not wide but deep. The soil is either purchased for palm trees, or a mixture of approximately equal proportions of humus, peat and coarse sand. A drainage layer is required at the bottom. The pot must be regularly rotated to one side so that the palm does not turn out to be "one-sided". She does not need too frequent transplants, once every five years is enough. If the dimensions do not allow this, they simply change the upper 5–7 cm of the soil. The dates are transplanted exclusively by the transshipment method. If the earthen clod still falls apart, you will have to cut off some of the leaves in order to maintain a balance between the aboveground and underground parts of the plant.

The date palm does not need a particularly nutritious soil, it is important that the soil is light, water permeable and provides normal aeration of the roots

Watering during the active growing season requires abundant, but without waterlogging of the soil. Enough 2-3 times a week. In winter, they cut it down, but do not stop it at all, preventing the earthen coma from drying out (it should not move away from the edges of the pot). With a moisture deficit, the leaves turn yellow, numb and may no longer restore their original position. Top dressing is applied monthly, excluding the period from November to March, alternating between natural organic matter and complex mineral fertilizers. You can also spray the leaves with a nutrient solution, but in this case, its concentration is reduced by 10 times.

The date palm is watered as the topsoil dries up, the soil should neither sour nor dry out

Video: caring for a date palm at home

For some reason, cats have a special love for the leaves of date palms. In young plants, they are very soft, so it is advisable to remove them away until the leaf plate coarsens so much that it becomes "too tough for the animal."

Nettle infusion is an organic fertilizer to which the date palm reacts very positively

Plant-typical diseases: preventive measures and methods of control

As the experience of flower growers testifies, the date palm does not have any exotic diseases brought from the historical homeland. In general, with proper care, he rarely suffers from diseases. The most dangerous for her is root rot, the development of which is often provoked by the owner of the palm tree, who is too zealous with watering.

The disease is also dangerous because the characteristic symptoms (black-brown slimy spots at the base of the trunk and petioles, mold on the soil, "weeping" brownish spots on the leaves, a noticeable putrid smell) appear only when its development has already reached a critical stage. Most likely, the damaged palm tree can no longer be saved. If you still manage to notice the problem in time, an immediate transplant can help, but this does not guarantee success. The soil must be completely changed, the pot must be disinfected. Glyocladin, Trichodermin in granules are added to the soil. Water very sparingly during the first month after transplanting. Instead of ordinary water, use a pinkish solution of potassium permanganate or a solution of Alirin-B, Fitosporin-M.

Root rot manifests itself clearly only when the development of the disease has gone far

Date palm leaves are quite tough. This is a serious obstacle for many pests that feed on plant sap. Unfortunately, not for everyone. Most often, dates are attacked by mealybugs, scale insects, thrips, spider mites.

Photo gallery: pests dangerous for the date palm

The mealybug is easily recognizable by its characteristic whitish bloom on the leaves. The shield is reliably protected by a strong shell, so folk remedies in the fight against it are ineffective Small black dots on the leaves - these are thrips. Spider mites are not insects, so conventional insecticides are useless against them.

To spot the problem in time, when it is easiest to deal with it, the plant is regularly inspected. For prophylaxis, a palm tree and soil in a pot can be sprayed with an infusion of onion or garlic gruel, shooters every 1.5–2 weeks. Having found pests, the leaves are wiped with a soft damp cloth, removing visible insects, and the plant is given a shower. The scabbard is removed by lubricating their shells with kerosene, turpentine, machine oil.

If the "bath procedures" do not work, use any general-purpose insecticides. The palm tree and the soil are sprayed with a solution of any general-action insecticide - Aktara, Iskra-Bio, Konfidor-Maxi, Mospilan, Aktellik. An exception is the spider mite; specialized preparations are used to combat it - acaricides (Neoron, Omayt, Vertimek, Apollo). Then a transparent plastic bag is put on the plant (if the dimensions allow) and, if possible, it is tightly fixed. They shoot it in a day or two. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated 2-3 more times with an interval of 5-12 days. As a rule, the hotter it is outside, the more actively insects reproduce.

Date palm cultivation in Russia is possible only in "captivity". Trees planted in open ground do not tolerate even the mildest climate in the subtropics. You can't count on the harvest from plants kept at home either - in order for the fruits to set, they need cross-pollination. But all of the above does not detract from the merits of the date palm as a decorative leafy plant that decorates the interior.

Probably, all lovers of exotic fruits from childhood know the taste of dried dates - very sweet and incomparable, no worse than any candy. There are enough people who have tried to successfully cultivate an ornamental plant at home, from the stone of the eaten date.

The date palm is rightfully considered "bread" for the inhabitants of the desert, and it is also called the "oasis of the desert", as it provides travelers with an opportunity not only to have a snack in a distant and hot journey (the fruits of dates do not spoil even in the most intense heat), but also and enjoy the coolness in the shade of the spreading branches.

Countries where date palms grow

This plant is native to Asia and Africa. It is known that already in the 4th century. BC e., the Arabs, inhabitants of ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq), already actively consumed the fruits of dates for food, as well as for medicinal purposes. The plant is also mentioned in the Bible and the Koran. Bedouins build dwellings from their trunks, and cover roofs with branches.

Horses and camels are fed with palm branches, and a variety of wines and sugar are made from the juice, in a word: date palm - indispensable for life in North Africa and Asia.

Dates are grown and exported in industrial quantities by countries such as: Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Iraq and Iran, UAE, Syria, Oman and Sudan.

Saudi Arabia is the leader in fruit export.

Spain- the only country in Europe where dates grow and bear fruit well.

Today you can see these powerful representatives of the flora in countries such as the USA (California), Mexico and Australia.

How dates grow in Israel

Israel is known to have some of the finest dates in the world. It's all about the right natural conditions and the correct, professional approach to this matter.

Even the ancient Romans and Greeks described dates growing near the Jordan River and the Dead Sea, but later, in the Middle Ages, for unknown reasons, this tree disappeared from the territory of the state. Only in the 50s. 20th century Israeli representatives secretly met in Syria with date Arabs and learned from them the knowledge and secrets needed to care for the palm tree and its fruits. We also bought several seedlings, which were smuggled.

Now Israel is one of the main exporters of dates in the world.

The premium fruits are sold whole, while the slightly inferior ones are made into excellent sweets such as marshmallow, candy, jams and others. Various spices are also made from them.

Here, all the trees (grown for industrial purposes) are pollinated by hand: pollen is collected from the males, and each branch of the female palms is manually pollinated by approaching in special machines.

Thinning of dates is also mandatory, this is necessary so that the fruits are as large and of high quality as possible. Thinning is also done manually - each branch is examined and the required number of shoots are left, all the rest removed.

Date varieties grown in Israel

Basically, they grow three varieties of dates:

1. "Majul" - which means "king" - this name is fully justified by its popularity and the quality of the fruit.
2. Hai'an dates are incredibly tasty and beautiful fruits. They are harvested not fully ripe and stored in special freezers at minus eighteen degrees, where they ripen. These dates are yellow when fresh and brownish when dried. Delicious and sugary in any form. Harvesting begins in mid-September at night (due to extreme heat), from 2 am to 6 am.
3. Dates of the "Barkhi" variety - the fruits of this variety also have excellent taste, fresh yellow, can reach the size of a small apple.

Where do dates grow in Russia?

As you know, date palms need to grow and bear fruit hot tropical or subtropical climate... There are not very many such places on the territory of our country, only in the south of the Caucasus Mountains.

Many such palms grow in Sochi, but these are not at all ideal conditions for this plant, because the trees themselves grow, and they even have fruits, but the quality of these fruits is incomparable with fruits grown in Asia.

Indoor conditions also grow small bushes that everyone can admire.

You should not expect fruits from a home plant, not only because of the inconsistency of growth conditions with natural ones, but also because they need pollen from trees of the opposite kind for pollination.

Date tree description

Date palms, also called "phoenixes"- these are mainly trees, although there are also low shrubs with long and strong feathery leaves with thorns at the base. The plant belongs to the palm family. They can be with one or several trunks and reach a height of up to 20-30 meters (in rare cases, up to 40).

The tree blooms with small yellow inflorescences. These are dioecious plants, they are divided into females and males. On the representatives of males there are no fruits, pollen appears on them, with which the females are pollinated.

Types of dates

The most popular type of dates with edible fruits is date finger(ordinary).

There are about 17 varieties of dates, the most delicious and common are "deglet nur", "majkhol", "hiyyan", "Chinese" and "barhi".

Robelena and Kanarskiy varieties are well suited for growing at home. They are grown for decorative purposes only and do not belong to the type of finger dates.

Harvest

In the third or fourth year, the first fruits can be expected, but a full harvest appears in the 5-6 year of the tree's life. There are usually a huge amount of fruits on dates, there are times when, under their weight, during gusts of wind, even the palm trees themselves break. The tree holds the record for the number of years and fruit yields. On average, a palm tree bears fruit for 60-80 years. For 5-6 years, each tree brings up to 10 kg of fruit, and from about the 13th the yield can reach about 80 kilograms, you can even collect up to 150 kg of harvest from one tree.

Growing dates with your own hands

It doesn't take a lot of effort to grow this plant, but it's worth a little work. For successful cultivation palm trees in indoor conditions, you need to follow some rules:

• Soil - must be fertile and light, for this it is necessary to prepare a substrate consisting of the following components: sand, turfy soil (clay), peat, leaf and humus.
• The stone can be used from fresh, dried or dried fruit, this practically does not affect germination. Israeli scientists even conducted an interesting experiment related to the germination of this plant: during archaeological excavations, a dried date bone was discovered, which, in their opinion, is about two thousand years old, planted and after some time the palm tree sprouted.
• You can only grow a date from a stone. There are many complicated planting options when the seed is subjected to a variety of treatments. However, such "procedures" are not at all obligatory, one can argue for a long time about their benefits for the seed itself, since they do not correspond to the natural conditions of tree germination. The easiest and most natural way is to plant in the prepared necessary soil, which is described in the first paragraph.
• In a small container with small holes at the bottom - for the passage of excess moisture, and with prepared soil, you need to deepen the bone (in an upright position, up with a sharp edge) by about 1.5 - 2 cm.After that, water a little.
• Next, you need to put the pot in a well-lit and warm (at room temperature: 20-25 degrees), water moderately about once a week, and wait for the palm tree to germinate.
• After about 2-3 weeks (but there are times when you need to wait 2 months), a sprout should appear.
• date palms have a very fast growing, strong, vigorous and extensive root system. Therefore, it is necessary to transplant them into a large pot about once a year. After germination, literally in 2-4 weeks, you need to transplant the plant into a medium-sized container (if you do not transplant the date in time, its overgrown roots will strongly entwine against the walls of the pot, then the transplant will threaten with damage to the root system)
• The plant loves well ventilated areas (no drafts). And also, despite their natural origin, phoenixes love well-humidified air, it is advisable to sometimes spray the leaves with settled water at room temperature. Under conditions when the plant is near the battery, it is necessary to put a small container of water next to it to humidify the air, or, for the same purpose, you can put a piece of cloth moistened with clean water (without powder and detergents) on the battery.
• Watering is moderate (about once a week, and a little more often in summer).
• They can be damaged by such pests as: mealybug, scale insects and mites (spiderwebs). If you find them, you should immediately process the sheets: it can be just wiping with warm water, or water with a small amount of soap (preferably baby), and you can also buy special chemicals in the store.
• Cats are very fond of the leaves of small palms, so it is worth hiding the plant for the first time until the leaves coarsen a little.
• Top dressing - in winter the bush is at rest, so it is better not to fertilize it at this time, but in the autumn-spring period it is advisable to take care of top dressing, which can be organic and mineral. Organic: humus, compost and bird droppings; mineral: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium. Complex mineral fertilizers containing several useful elements at once are effective. You can find out how to use mineral fertilizing in the instructions or from the seller, organic ones are prepared as follows: one tablespoon of fertilizer is added to two liters of settled and cool water (thus, you can fertilize the soil every two weeks, field with a moderate amount of this "solution") ...

Useful properties of dates and their application in the food industry

1. This exotic fruit contains a large amount of dietary fiber, some of which are soluble, while others are insoluble, they prevent the rapid absorption of sugar, so their glycemic index is low. Dates are energizing and long-lasting satiety.
2. Date honey - silane is very highly valued and is very popular in the East. To make it, the fruits are peeled and the seed is removed, then juice is extracted, which is diluted with special sugar water and evaporated until the liquid reaches the consistency of molasses, then "honey" is poured into pre-sterilized jars and closed. The shelf life of such a product is very long, and the benefits of eating it are difficult to overestimate.
3. A natural sweetener is made from dates.

Fruit contains a huge amount of nutrients: vitamins A, B1, B2, folic acid, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, etc. They also contain a large amount of calories - about 200 kcal. per 100 g. Many argue that on some dates and water a person can live for a very long time.

In cooking, there are a huge number of recipes for preparing various dishes with the addition of date palm fruits: sweet pilaf, various pastries, sweets, jams, drinks and more.

Eating Dates to Improve Wellness and Promote Health

This fruit is advised to take for many ailments, such as:

• Digestive upset. Fruits should be eaten in the morning, on an empty stomach - this stabilizes the digestive tract and eliminates harmful "representatives" of the intestinal microflora.
• With frequent consumption of dates, appetite improves.
• They are useful in the restoration of vision.
• Fruit is desirable for pregnant women, to strengthen and improve the health of the child.

With all the aforementioned useful properties, you should not abuse dates. For a beneficial effect on the body, it is enough to eat no more than 10 pieces a day.

The date palm is an inaccessible plant for cultivation in our latitudes, but for those who want to bring a little exoticism and atmosphere of distant countries into their home, growing an ornamental date is an ideal option!

Date palm

phoenix (Phoenix), genus of arboreal dioecious plants of the palm family. The trunks are covered with the remains of leaf petioles, at the top with a dense crown of feathery leaves. Flowers are wind-pollinated, unisexual, three-membered, in paniculate inflorescences. The fruit is a berry with a hard seed, edible in some species. over 15 species in the tropics and subtropics of Africa and Asia. Actually F. p. (Ph. Dactylifera) is the oldest cultivated plant in dry subtropical regions of North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, southern Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan to the right bank of the river. Ind. Unknown in the wild. The culture of the F. p. Has been known since the 7th millennium BC. NS. in Sumer, Assyria and Ancient Egypt. Its trunks are straight, up to 15-20 m, diameter 80 cm, they form offspring at the base. Leaves 4–6 long m. Fruit - Dates , oblong or oval, up to 7.5 cm and a diameter of 3.5 cm, contain a large amount of nutrients, serve as food for the local population, an item of export. Iraq occupies the first place in the production of dates (about 350 thous. T). In the USSR, the P. p. Has been bred since 1939 in Turkmenistan (Kizyl-Atrek), where it bears fruit and withstands short-term frosts down to -14 ° C. When tapping the trunks of the P. p., Sugar juice is obtained, from which wine is prepared, sugar is evaporated. Ph. Sylvestris, cultivated in India, is also used as a sugar plant. Many species of P. p. Are grown as ornamental plants. The most common in subtropical gardens and parks, including on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, P. canary (Ph. Canariensis) with trunks 12-15 m and a crown of 150-200 leaves. To the south of Sochi, Ph. Reclinata from tropical Africa occurs in plantings. Among the species cultivated in greenhouses is the decorative F. P. robelena (Ph. Robeicnii), from the south of the Indochina Peninsula.

Lit .: Alekseev VP, Date palm, "Subtropical cultures", 1959, no. 4.

S. S. Morshchina.

Great Soviet Encyclopedia. - M .: Soviet encyclopedia. 1969-1978 .

See what "Date palm" is in other dictionaries:

- (Greek). This tree palm sowing. Africa and Arabia, producing fruits, wine, vinegar and palm cabbage. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov AN, 1910. DATE PALM is a tall tree with very long leaves, ... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

Date palm- Date palm. DATE PALM, a genus of palm trees. Over 15 species in the tropics and subtropics of Africa and Asia. Cultivated (since the 4th millennium BC for the sake of edible fruits (dates), especially often in the oases of the Sahara and other deserts. Many species ... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

- (phoenix) genus of palm trees. St. 15 species, in the tropics and subtropics of Africa and Asia. Cultivated (from the 4th millennium BC) for the sake of edible fruits (dates), especially often in the oases of the Sahara and other deserts. Many species are bred as decorative ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Phoenix (Phoenix), genus of palm trees. Trunks with remnants of leaf petioles, dense crown of feathery leaves at the top. Unisexual flowers (dioecious plants), wind-pollinated, in paniculate inflorescences. The fruit is a berry with a hard seed, edible in some species. ... ... Biological encyclopedic dictionary

Noun., Number of synonyms: 1 phoenix (10) ASIS synonym dictionary. V.N. Trishin. 2013 ... Synonym dictionary

See other meanings for phoenix. ? Date palm ... Wikipedia

- (Phoenix dactylifera), a palm tree widely planted in hot, arid areas for its edible fruit. In terms of economic value, it is second only to the coconut palm in its family. North Africa is considered the birthplace of the date palm and ... Collier's Encyclopedia

- (Phoenix L.) a genus of plants from this. palms, subfamily Coryphinae. Some trees, some squat bushes, with pinnately separate leaves. Plants are dioecious. The calyx is cup-shaped, 3 petals, 6 stamens in male flowers, 6 staminodes in female flowers and 3 ... Encyclopedic Dictionary of F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

- (phoenix), a genus of palm trees. Over 15 species in the tropics and subtropics of Africa and Asia. Cultivated (since the 4th millennium BC) for the sake of edible fruits (dates), especially often in the oases of the Sahara and other deserts. Many species are bred as decorative. * * ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

- (phoenix), a genus of palm trees. St. 15 species, in the tropics and subtropics of Africa and Asia. Cultivated (from the 4th millennium BC) for the sake of edible fruits (dates), especially often in the oases of the Sahara and other deserts. Mn. species are bred as decorative ... Natural science. encyclopedic Dictionary

Books

• Exotic plants in your home, Nikolay Azarushkin, Author, who has been fond of floriculture for many years, shares his experience of growing exotic plants in indoor conditions. The book tells about decorative, fruit, spicy-aromatic ... Category: Other plant species Series: Land of Soviets Publisher: