While the whole world believes that "an apple a day keeps the doctor away", the Arabs say " seven DATES a day keeps the doctor away."
And indeed, it is true.
Studies have proved that seven dates per day provide enough calories and nutrients for human survival.
Dates And The Arabs
Dates are a popular food across the Middle East, but in Saudi Arabia, it holds a place of honor in the national culture and cuisine.
They are a sign of hospitality, served after greeting as well as after the meal. Whether it's a wedding or a funeral, dates are a must in every gathering.
Arabs also use dates as a natural sweetener and as a binding agent in cakes, desserts, and smoothies.
The Traditional Staple of Holiness
Dates are also important to Arabian culture because it is mentioned on many occasions in the Quran.
The date palm called "nakhl" in Arabic, and dates called "tamr' are mentioned more than any other fruit-bearing plant in the holy book of Muslims.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has also asserted the significance of the fruit. He used to break his fast with dates and recommended others to do the same.
Saudi Arabia is the second-largest producer of dates in the world.
Health Benefits of Dates
In addition to being an important part of Islamic heritage, dates are also full of health benefits.
They are an excellent source of important nutrients such as fiber, sugar, magnesium, potassium, and carbohydrates.
- They can stimulate muscles, improve vision, relieve menstrual pain, and depression.
- They can maintain the cholesterol levels in our bodies.
- The alkaline salts in the dates adjust the acidity of the blood and reduce diabetes, gout, and renal stones.
- A notable benefit is that it is said to help relieve the pain during childbirth
- Eating dates every day boosts the immune system.
The dates market in the Middle East is predicted to reach US$9.14 billion by 2025
5 Finest Dates Of Arabia
From awesome health benefits to deliciousness, dates come in various kinds of colors and textures. Around 300 varieties of dates are found in Saudi Arabia alone!
The most famous among them are:
1. Ajwa
Ajwa contains active elements useful in the prevention of diseases such as cancer and has anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
The Prophet Muhammed said that Ajwah dates grown in the Madinah region of Saudi Arabia are from paradise.
Sookmarket, Saudi.souq (now amazon.sa) are some Arabian dates online sites that sells the best quality Ajwa dates.
2. Anbara
These are big and fleshy with small seeds. They're also one of the most expensive varieties! They're sweet, brown, and full of protein.
Munwradates is one of the popular Arabian dates online stores that sell this rare and high-quality date from Madina.
3. Safawi
Safai dates are power-packed with various vitamins and healing properties. These are dark in color and soft in texture. They resemble the Ajwa date because of their refined structure and taste.
With the aim to promote the socio-cultural value of Saudi dates around the world Tomoor, an Arabian dates online store has started selling Safawi and other dates online.
Tomoor Al Sharq is not only a seller but a producer, processor, and exporter of dates.
4. Saghai
These crisp dates are cultivated in Riyadh. They are usually brown, and light yellow at the tip. They're wrinkled and are definitely must-haves!
5. Barhi
Barhi dates make a great gift. They are yellow in color and has a crunchy texture. They have thick flesh and are rich in flavor. They are more delicious when eaten fresh rather than dried.
Saudi.desertcart.com delivers Barhi and other famous Arabian dates online in the UK, the USA, India, and Saudi Arabia.
ALSO READ: Buy Olive Oil Online | World's Healthiest OilSince the consumption of dates around the world has increased relatively, there is an urgent need for more online platforms that can make Arabian dates easily accessible to the world.
