Date and Fig Food Facts
Dates
Date production in the world is only confined to a small number of countries, most of them being the Arab countries. However, the date industry in the Arab world is not yet fully developed and concerted efforts are still needed to fully utilize the tremendous potential of date substances as ingredients in processed foods for export and the local market.
Dates are considered a delicious addition to confectioneries and food around the world. Palestinians make excellent cookies with dates. Afghans add dates and figs to their cakes.
Here in the U.S., dates are added to pudding, breads, spreads, and even sparkling date juices.
Date pectin, dietary fiber and syrup are some of the date substances which can find a plethora of applications as a thickener or gelling agent in processed foods, i.e., confectionery products, jams, table jellies, soft cheeses, yogurts, etc.
Dates are one of the sweetest fruits and may contain up to 70 percent sugar. California and Arizona are the major suppliers for the United States, however, Africa and the Middle East have been growing them for 4000 years.
A date cluster can weigh up to 25 pounds.
A date supplies 250 percent more potassium than an orange and 64 percent more than a banana ounce for ounce.
The look, feel and taste of date depends largely on the glucose, fructose and sucrose content within.
Figs
Figs are one of the oldest known fruits. Ninety percent of all figs grown are dried. The most popular fig is the Calimyrna. Size is not an indicator of the quality.
Figs are thought to be originally from small Asia and are one of the first fruits cultivated ever. It has been said throughout time, that humans could live on Figs alone as a source of food!
Figs are uniquely pollinated by small fig wasps.
Figs are a rich source of calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin B6, and potassium. Figs are low in fat and high in fiber. They provide more fiber than any other common fruit or vegetable.
Figs have many health benefits. Fresh and dry figs are high in pectin, a soluble fibre that can reduce blood cholesterol. The fruit is also believed to have a laxative effect and can aid those who suffer from chronic constipation.
The soluble fiber contained in Figs can help people cut down on snacking because it causes nutrients to be absorbed more slowly, making people feel more satisfied after a meal. However, it should be remembered that Figs are high in calories.
See also:
Good Eats: Figs
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