5 things you might not know about dates

We dive into the history and cultural value of the dried fruit

Cartons of dates are making appearances all over supermarket shelves as we approach Ramadan, which runs this year from March 2-30, 2025. The month is centred around fasting from dawn to dusk, and dates are often eaten during iftar, a meal eaten after sunset. With upcoming festivities just around the corner, we shed light on five facts that might surprise you about the fruit.

If you're looking for suggestions on where to break fast, we’ve also rounded up the best Ramadan and buffet experiences this year.

The oldest cultivated fruit in the world

Farmers often place a protective bag around each date cluster to prevent damage by birds, small mammals, and insects.

Above Date palms (Photo: Getty Images / Timothy Hearsum)

Date palms (Photo: Getty Images / Timothy Hearsum)

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Medjool dates are estimated to have been harvested for over 6,000 years and therefore have been a vital food source for humans throughout history. They grow in bunches on towering trees called date palms that are native to the Middle East.

There are over 200 different types

Above Harvesting dates (Photo: Getty Images / Kevin Fleming)

Harvesting dates (Photo: Getty Images / Kevin Fleming)

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While only a few varieties may populate the shelves of our stores, over 200 kinds of dates exist. The most expensive is the Medjool date due to its challenging and labour-intensive production—the variety has to be harvested by hand due to its caramel and delicate consistency.

What’s in a name?

A dry fruit seller's shop in the locality of Jodia Bazaar, Karachi. The dry fruits are on very much demand during the winters and the shops are rushed by the customers during the season. JOADIA BAZAAR is one of the major wholesale market where almost everything of household and kitchens are available for sale to the customers. The small kiosk like shops run a business of hundred of thousands every day. It plays a very vital role into the economy of the city and provide opportunities of employment for thos

Above A handful of dates (Photo: Getty Images / Bashir Osman's Photography)

A handful of dates (Photo: Getty Images / Bashir Osman's Photography)

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The name of the fruit originates from the Greek term daktylos, which translates into finger since dates resemble fingertips.

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Signifying wealth

Elevated view of some date fruits on a pink plate

Above Dates have religious connotations (Photo: Getty Images / Javier Zayas Photography)

Dates have religious connotations (Photo: Getty Images / Javier Zayas Photography)

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Dates are a symbol of abundance in Islamic history and have religious connotations in both Christianity and Islam. Prophet Muhammad’s often enjoyed dates when breaking fast, and as such, they remain a staple on iftar tables during Ramadan.

High in sugar, low glycemic index

Muslim Ramadan iftar family dinner. Flat-lay of people feasting over table with Middle East food. Dates, dolma, kebab, flatbread, pide, borek, sweet, salad, top view. Ramazan fasting Turkish cuisine

Above An iftar feast (Photo: Getty Images / Foxys_forest_manufacture)

An iftar feast (Photo: Getty Images / Foxys_forest_manufacture)

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The fruit is naturally high in sugar, vitamins, and minerals and ideal for replenishing energy levels after a long day of fasting. It is also easy to digest and quickly work to reduce fatigue. Due to its natural sugar content, dates also have a low glycemic index.

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Topics

Dates Ramadan Iftar

Katelyn Tan

Dining and Travel Editor, Malaysia & Indonesia, Tatler Malaysia

About

Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.