Wednesday, July 14, 2010

blog #89 What do you know about the date fruit in Israel?

I recently returned from my amazing birthright trip to Israel.


Israel is described as having “one of the most dynamic, fascinating -- and delicious -- food scenes in the world.” 




Staple foods:
Hummus
Falafel
Olive oil
Olives
Various cheeses
Kabobs (chicken being a popular choice)
Fresh oranges
Tahini sauce
Israeli salad (cucumbers and tomatoes)
Dried fruits, such as dates



I want to talk about the dates in Israel. The date fruit is a product of a date palm, which is a tree native to northern Africa and the Middle East. A date fruit can be eaten dried or fresh. While fresh dates are offered only seasonality and at special markets, dried dates are available at most markets year-round.

Dates are loaded with fiber as well as oil, calcium, sulfur, iron, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium. There are many different types of dates. 

Hadiklaim founded in 1983, is Israel’s largest and most advanced date producer located in Tel Aviv. I had the opportunity to try its brand -- King Solomon’s dates -- and they were the best dates that I have ever tasted in my life.

Hadiklaim has a reputation for delivering the highest quality dates because the geography and location is ideal for optimal date production.

All values are based per 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of dates

A typical date is said to be around 23 calories (read the label)
Carbohydrates - 73.5 g
Total dietary fiber - 7.5 g
Sugars - 66 g
Proteins - 2 g
Total fat - 0.45 g
Minerals:
Calcium - 32 mg
Magnesium - 35 mg
Phosphorus - 40 mg
Potassium - 652 mg


Although a typical date has only 23, calories, different types of dates vary in calories. Dates are a great choice, but in small portions.  

NOT ALL DATES ARE EQUAL!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I love dates! Dried they are as sweet as candy and as long as you don't go overboard they are a good replacement to less healthy options.

So where are the dates you brought back for me? lol

Emily said...

Don't eat too many dates on a date. You'll never make it to first base, but you'll go all the way with the toilet. Just saying.