Where do dates grow? Here is the answer!

There are now more than a hundred varieties of dates. They can be sold dried or fresh. These small fruits are fleshy and sweet. They can be enjoyed in different ways, as an ingredient in recipes or as a snack when you feel a little hungry. But where do dates actually grow? Dattes Ajwa has the answer!

Where do dates grow?

• Discovering the fruits of the desert

Dates come from a fruit tree, the date palm , also known as Phoenix dactylifera L. Although we find dates on supermarket shelves, they do not grow in France. The main producers of this wonderful small fruit are Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria.

In fact, these two Maghreb countries where dates grow account on their own for 90 % of exports.

There is a reason for this: dates need heat. The climate of these African countries is therefore particularly suited to their development. However, the date palm also withstands the very low nighttime temperatures found especially in the desert.

During very cold periods, temperatures can fall to -12 degrees. The date palm still withstands this temperature, which is remarkable! Conversely, it stays healthy in extreme drought. Likewise, Phoenix dactylifera L. needs plenty of light as well as air that is extremely dry and hot. That is why deserts and oases are places where dates grow.

This sweet treat can measure 4 to 6 centimeters and has a pit. The fronds of the date palm can grow up to 6 meters long. 

The tree itself can reach 30 meters in height. However, it only becomes productive after 5 years. It can then yield up to 100 kilograms of dates each year.

How and when do dates grow?

• Pollination

Date palms have separate sexes. They are either male or female. As a rule, one palm that is male is used to pollinate a hundred palms that are female. Pollination takes place naturally through the wind, where possible.

When the tree is cultivated, pollination is carried out by hand, meaning by people. Another technique is to use a pollen duster or “ pollinator”. In short, a machine used to pollinate date palms.

In the last two cases, artificial pollination is needed because there may be too little wind, for example in oases.

Harvesting

The first fruits of the date palm begin to appear at the end of the winter period. At first, they grow in clusters and are black or green.

To pick and enjoy them, you will need patience and must wait for summer and the heat to allow them to finish ripening. The dates will be ready to eat at the end of the fall that follows.

If this article has made your mouth water, visit our online store! You can order and enjoy our delicious organic Arabian Medjool dates or the famous Ajwa dates. For something a little different, try our date molasses.