“Ancient Egyptians used this fruit for the preparation of wine”

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The next food in the A-Z of Everyday Foods discussed today is sweet, delicious and is a powerhouse of goodness. This fruit is one of the most ancient of fruits; it is the tasty snack food….. the DATE.

Dates are believed to be one of the oldest cultivated fruits dating back around 6,000 BC in the times of Mesopotamia to prehistoric Egypt. It was later taken to northern Africa and Spain. In 1765 the Spaniards introduced dates to California and Mexico.

People of the Middle East have included dates as a part of their diets for many centuries due to their high nutritional content. Evidence has been found that Ancient Egyptians used dates for the preparation of wine.

Dates are the fruit of the Date Palm and grow in clusters which can produce in excess of 500 berries (dates). It can take up to 200 days for the date to reach maturity and when fully ripe, a dehydration effect occurs in which the skin becomes wrinkly and a waxy film occurs.

These fruits are jam-packed full of nutrients. They are:

  • Loaded with fibre
  • An excellent source of potassium
  • Contain good amounts of iron, niacin, magnesium and Vitamin B6

Dates are the perfect snack food as the high fibre content helps to fill you up, keep bowel movements regular and they are digested very easily which helps supply you with a quick energy boost. Due to their sweetness they are a great alternative to help any “sweet-tooth” cravings.

They are also a great source of Selenium, which is a very powerful antioxidant and assists in thyroid function and boosts the immune system.

There are many varieties of dates available and probably the most popular are the California Date and the Medjool Date, which is very soft, sweet and succulent. Fresh dates are now readily available in supermarkets and health food supermarkets and if possible try and buy organic.

Dates not only can be eaten raw; but are a great addition to many home-baked goods such as muffins and date loaf. They are also very tasty added to your favourite Tagine. Our Centre has a wonderful recipe for a healthy snack using dates called Shakti Date Balls.

If you would like the recipe – ask the next time you are in the Centre or email us at inquiry@wellbeingcentre.com.au and we will be happy to give or send you a copy.

Yours in health,

Dedicated to Improving Your Wellbeing and Committed To Helping You Achieve Abundance

From the Team at the Hervey Bay Wellbeing, Anti-Aging and Longevity Centre.

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