Date
The date is the edible Fruit Palmier-dattier ( Phœnix will dactylifera, L. ). It is a fruit fleshy, oblong, from 4 to 6 cm length, containing a lengthened core, marked of a longitudinal furrow. Generally marketed in the form of date dries, it is a very energy fruit.
The term “date” derives from the old Greek δάκτυλος / dáktylos , finger, in reference to the shape of this fruit.
On the Botanical level, the date is a bay, because its pericarp is entirely fleshy. The “date core”, wrapped in the membranous endocarpe, is in fact a very hard Graine, with horn Albumen.
During harvest, it is presented in mode (resulting from the female inflorescence) which can gather a hundred branches and several hundreds of dates.
Date fresh, such as it is when it becomes ripe, is a fragile and delicate fruit to transport. It is rich in Vitamine C. The dry date is more strongly dehydrated, it contains approximately water 20%, against 70% for fresh date. Its energy value is of 287 kcal by 100 G. It is very rich in sugars (Glucose, Fructose and Saccharose). It also contains vitamins (B2, B3, B5 and B6) and a small quantity of vitamin C, rock salt (Potassium and Calcium), as well as fibers.
The variety (the Cultivar in fact) most widespread on the European markets (coming from North Africa) is the Deglet nour, already supported by the colonial administrations, then official.
Economic aspects
Simple: Date Palm