Dates grow on date palm trees in hot, dry regions like Northern Africa, Iran, and Arabia. It takes eight years of growth before a new date palm will bear fruit, and only the female tree bears fruit. The tree reaches maturity at 30 years and begins to die after 100 years however, the date palm doesn't just fizzle out of existence. The tree may bear fruit for another 100 years before dying completely.
The date is a staple food in the diets of many Arab tribes living in the deserts of Africa. Without date palms, few of these tribes could survive. In the United State, dates are grown commercially in California and Arizona. This fruit is a great source of energy and fiber.
This Dates recipe is from the Food Facts and History Cookbook. Download this Cookbook today.
