DATES IN AFRICA

DATES IN AFRICA

Native to Algeria, Deglet Nour is one of the most common date varieties consumed in the entire North African region. They are small in size, amber in colour, and characterized by nearly translucent meat and a sweet, nutty, and caramel-like flavour.

Except in North Africa, they are cultivated in Israel and the United States, where they were exported at the beginning of the 20th century. Even though they can be eaten as a sweet snack accompanied by tea or coffee, Deglet Nour is often incorporated in many traditional North African salads, pastries, and cookies.

Medjool dates are one of the most popular date varieties in the world, first cultivated in the Moroccan oasis Talifalt, and nowadays grown primarily in the Middle East (Israel being the main producer and exporter) and Northern Africa. They are larger and sweeter than other varieties and are often dubbed the “king of dates” due to their superior taste and versatility.

The flavour can be described as caramel-like, the texture is chewy, and they are chock-full of fibre, potassium, and antioxidants. Medjool dates can be eaten on their own (fresh or dried) but can also be a part of various regional recipes, from porridges and desserts to stews, tagines, and pilafs.

For 3,000 years, the farmers of Siwa Oasis in the Western Egyptian desert have been taking advantage of water in the desert to grow chewy Siwa Oasis dates. Three of the most important varieties are Siwi, Azzawi, and Frehi. Still, there are three more varieties which are produced in small quantities and are at risk of extinction – Ghazaal, Takdat, and Amnzou.

The producers sell both fresh and dried dates. After the initial 10 years, each plant produces about 50 kilograms of these chewy treats per year. The maturation period of each type varies – Amnzou bears fruit in September, Azzawi and Siwi at the beginning of October, Ghazaal at the end of October, and Takdat between December and January.

The producers harvest the dates manually by climbing the tree trunks with a belt. Dates are used in a variety of local dishes such as Tarfant (bread, dates, and olive oil), Tagilla (olive oil, flour, dates, and water), and Elhuji (dates, olive oil, and eggs).

During Ramadan, dates are consumed in the evening to break the fast.