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Discovering dates and their benefits
on Sep 19, 2025
Where do dates come from?
The date is the fruit of a date palm, considered a symbol of Saharan oases. Native to the arid regions of the Near and Middle East, this fruit tree has been an essential food source for Bedouins for centuries.
How are they cultivated?
Due to its heat requirements, the date palm cannot be cultivated in the Belgian climate. Most of the dates available on the Belgian and French markets come from North Africa. Currently, nearly 90% of the dates sold in Belgium are from Algeria and Tunisia.
People who cultivate date palms are called date palm growers. These trees are easily recognizable in the desert, reaching up to 20 meters in height without branches or twigs, with leaves growing at the top of the trunk. To distinguish male from female palms, one must wait for flowering: the male inflorescences are bright yellow and drooping, while the female ones are more upright and yellow-green. In oases, one finds mainly female palms because a single male palm can pollinate several hundred females.
To obtain dates, date palm growers plant female palm trees and propagate them by cuttings to multiply the plantations. The first dates appear at the end of winter, either black or green, and grow in clusters at the base of the leaves. They reach their final size and develop their sugar content during the summer and autumn heat. Harvested in October, they are then packaged for consumption throughout the year. The peak harvest season thus extends from October to December, ideal for eating them fresh, while the rest of the year they are available in dried form.
What are the benefits of dates?
Dates are an excellent source of carbohydrates and low in fat. They are rich in fructose, dextrose, sucrose, and maltose, providing beneficial energy for the body. Furthermore, these carbohydrates help regulate blood pressure. In addition, dates are low in fat, practically fat-free.
We understand the importance of consuming fiber-rich foods to maintain good digestive health. Dates promote healthy digestion and help prevent occasional constipation. Fiber-rich foods also contribute to overall gut health.
Dates are also rich in trace elements, such as copper, zinc, and iron. Therefore, it is advisable for people suffering from anemia to include them in their diet. A 100-gram serving of dates provides approximately 0.90 grams of iron, which is equivalent to 11% of the recommended daily intake.
Dates are also recommended for their richness in vitamins. They contain a variety of vitamins, including vitamins C and E (antioxidant), B2, B3, B1, B5, B6 (beneficial for cognitive function), A1 (beneficial for eye health) and K (blood clotting).
It is important to note that dates are also a significant source of minerals. They contain potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. A diet rich in potassium helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke.