DATES
Dates
The date is the fruit of the palm Phoenix dactylifera, cultivated for more than 5,000 years across the arid Middle East. Among the first fruit trees to be domesticated, the date palm has long been vital to desert peoples, who called it the “tree of life”.
It can grow over 20 metres tall and live a century, thriving in hot, dry climates where few crops survive. Dates develop in large hanging clusters that can weigh more than 10 kg. The elongated, golden-brown fruits have thin skins, soft sugary pulp and a single central pit.
Known to the ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians as both a nourishing food and a symbol of abundance, dates are now enjoyed worldwide for their natural sweetness.
Try dates on their own as a snack, use them to sweeten smoothies and baked goods, or coat them with dark chocolate for a simple, flavourful dessert.
September 2025
The main cultivation areas are in the Middle East and North Africa. Leading producers include Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Algeria [FAOSTAT 2023], which together account for nearly half of global output. The palm thrives in hot, arid regions with large temperature ranges and well-drained sandy soils.
There are hundreds of varieties, but the best-known include:
• Deglet Nour, amber colour, soft texture;
• Medjool, large, juicy and sweet;
• Zahidi, light skin and firm flesh, ideal for storage;
• Khadrawy and Halawy, Middle Eastern types with honeyed flavour.
Econoce organic dates come mainly from Tunisia and Algeria, where the climate allows natural ripening that preserves sugars, minerals and typical aromas.
Values can vary slightly depending on variety. NRV indicates the daily reference intake recommended by the Ministry of Health; 100 % NRV represents the minimum advisable quantity for good health.
SINU recommends a 30 g portion of dried fruit per day.
A balanced diet and active lifestyle are fundamental for wellbeing.
DATE
| Nutrition declaration | average values per 100 g: |
| Energy | 1333 kJ / 315 kcal |
| Fat | 0,4 g |
| of which saturates | 0 g |
| Carbohydrate | 72 g |
| of which sugars | 66 g |
| Fibre | 7,1 g |
| Protein | 2,2 g |
| Salt | 0 g |
*NRV: Nutrient Reference Value.
Store dates in a cool, dry place away from heat and light. In warmer months, keep them refrigerated to reduce surface sugar crystallisation.
Glass containers are ideal, as they protect from humidity and odours; coloured glass helps preserve the brown hue and soft texture.
Seal tightly after opening to maintain aroma and natural consistency.
