We all love dates. They make for a tasty and wholesome snack, especially if you choose our fresh dates. But have you ever wondered where dates come from? Do they grow on a plant or on a palm tree? In this blog post, we tell you more about how dates grow and walk you through the process. We also answer the question of whether they grow on a palm tree or a plant. Does reading this blog make you crave some dates?
How do dates grow?
Dates grow in warm climates. They thrive in extremely dry and hot conditions. Dates are cultivated in various parts of the world, including Saudi Arabia. This is where our Dalia Sukkary date comes from, which we produce using 100% natural and sustainable methods. In addition to this date, there are more than 400 other varieties. Other countries where dates grow and are cultivated include Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Algeria and Sudan.
The growing process of dates begins high up in a palm tree. Before the fruit begins to grow, the palms are pollinated by hand. As a result, fruit starts to develop on the palm tree. This often produces too many clusters, which means thinning is necessary. Sometimes, so much fruit grows on the branches that some of it needs to be removed. For dates to grow properly, it is essential that they have enough space. This allows them to develop into large, plump dates.
In November and December, it is time to harvest the dates. This is done by hand at specific stages of the ripening process. We manage the harvesting process ourselves to ensure consistent quality. If some dates need a little more time to ripen, they are left to do so in the intense heat, but not in direct sunlight. This ensures that our dates develop their characteristic sweet, caramel-like flavor. We do not process our dates. This way, they remain 100% natural and retain their nutrients as much as possible.
Date palm tree
As mentioned above, dates grow on palm trees. Date palms have been cultivated for thousands of years, and fresh dates have long been a popular fruit. Date palm trees can grow up to an impressive 25 meters tall. Dates only grow on female date palms. The role of male date palms is to pollinate the female trees.
Fun fact: the palm tree that produces dates can be seen as a relative of the palm tree that produces coconuts. They both belong to the palm family. The trees look remarkably similar, apart from the fruit that grows on them. Fascinating how nature works, isn't it?
Date plant
Although dates grow on a palm tree, a date palm begins its life as a young plant. Dates do not grow on the plant at this early stage. The plant first needs to develop into a mature palm before it can actually produce dates. Technically, palm trees are plants, so you could say that dates grow on a plant. However, the fruit itself grows high up on mature palm trees.
Buy your dates from Yogi & Yousef
You can find our dates in various supermarkets. If you would like to order a larger quantity, our webshop is the best place to go. There, you can quickly and easily order our 100% fresh and naturally grown dates. Plus, orders of €70 or more qualify for free shipping. Time to enjoy the delicious dates from Yogi & Yousef!
