Pick your date Saturday, 24 July 2010 04:18

by Salim Matramkot

Dates have been a staple food in the Middle East for thousands of years. They are believed to have originated around the Persian Gulf, and have been cultivated since ancient times from Mesopotamia to prehistoric Egypt, possibly as early as 4000 BC.

Though more than 100 varieties of dates are known to exist throughout the world, only a few major ones come to the Qatari market after the harvest. These include the Ghar, Khalas, Sheishi, Nabsif, Saga’I, Wanefi, Natimi, Warziz, Shabeebi, Marhein, Shahal, Barhee, Khanezi, Khazab, Khadari and Sekkari varieties.

Of these, the pre-Ramadan market in Qatar yesterday had only four varieties. More are expected to arrive, mostly from Saudi Arabia, during the holy month.

Its not colour alone that differentiates different varieties of dates — taste, texture and hardness also vary. Yesterday, Khalas, one of the yellow varieties, was moving fast at the Omani Market here due to its excellent taste and texture.

Dates can also be dehydrated, ground and mixed with grain to form a nutritious stock feed. Dried and extra-ripe dates are fed to camels and horses.