Dates fruit: Germination Growing ,Care and Health Benefits cooking dates

                                                           

                       DATES FRUIT
Date or date palms,is a flowering plant species in the palm family,cultivated as a edible sweet fruit. Although its place of origin is unknown because of long cultivation, it probably originated from the Fertile Crescent region straddling between Egypt and Mesopotamia.The species is widely cultivated across Northern Africa, Middle East and South Asia, and is naturalised in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. This is the type species of genus Phoenix, which contains 12–19 species of wild date palms, and is the major source of commercial production.

Scientific name Phoenix dactylifera

History Behind Dates Fruit

Date palm trees have a history extending back 6,000 years when they were used for roof thatching and a food source in ancient Egypt and Sumeria. Preferring a desert climate in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, a mature and healthy tree needs the same climate as their seeds require for germination. Although date palms have offshoots you can propagate, growing the plant from seed is another option.

Date Trees

Date trees typically reach about 21–23 metres (69–75 ft) in height, growing singly or forming a clump with several stems from a single root system. Date fruits (dates) are oval-cylindrical, 3–7 cm (1.2–2.8 in) long, and about an inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, ranging from bright red to bright yellow in colour, depending on variety. They are very sweet, containing about 75 percent of sugar when dried.

Germination

 Time

Viable date palm trees seeds germinate between 14 and 21 days in ideal conditions. Most palm seeds have a poor record of germination success.University of Florida IFAS Extension reports that only 80 per cent of palm seeds germinate. Choosing fresh fruits from a healthy date tree, and removing the seeds promptly, gives you a better chance at germination success. If the ideal conditions are not met, healthy date seeds may take as much as 100 days to germinate.

Medium and Warmth Influences
Germination success depends largely on the growing medium .It must have a steady temperature and texture during the germination process so the seed is not stressed. An even ratio of perlite to peat moss acts is the best medium for palm seed germination, University of Florida IFAS Extension. Date palm seeds need temperatures consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit to stimulate the seed to break through its shell or coat.

Moisture Factor
Water in the growing medium must be evenly distributed and  dry soils stop the germination processes completely. Date palm seeds grow through remote germination, which requires a slightly deep container with well-drained perlite and peat moss. A seedling root does not emerge from the seed, but it produces a cotyledonary petiole or leafstalk. As the petiole grows downward into the moist medium, a root finally appears. Disruptions to the growing seed mean germination will take longer.

Fertilizing Considerations
Although the theory of adding nutrients to the growing medium in the form of fertilizer seems like it would help the germinating seed, it is detrimental to the emerging petiole and seedling root. In fact, you may stunt the seed's germination time or cause the death of the plant. The seed's internal food supply from the endosperm is all it needs to germinate. Fertilizer burns the sensitive roots and creates a hostile environment for a struggling seedling.

Health benefits of dates:

Here are only a few of the reasons why everyone should eat dates regularly:

1. Lowers cholesterol
Dates are free from cholesterol and contain very little fat. Including them in smaller quantities daily diet can help to keep a check on cholesterol level, and even assist in weight loss. So start loading up on dates today.

2. Rich Protein
Looking to load up on proteins. Adding some dates in diet may help. Dates are a strong source of proteins that help us in staying fit, and even keep our muscles strong. A lot of regular gym goers are asked to eat a couple of dates every day as part of their daily routine.

3. Rich in vitamins
Dates contain vitamins such as B1, B2, B3 and B5, as well as A1 and C. If have a few dates every day, won't have to take vitamin supplements. Not only will it keep you healthy, there will be a noticeable change in energy levels as well because dates contain natural sugars such as glucose, sucrose, and fructose, too. So it works really well as a quick snack.

4. Improves bone health
Dates could do wonders for bone health too. Dates are rich in selenium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, and all of these are required when it comes to keeping our bones healthy and preventing conditions such as osteoporosis.

5. Strengthens the nervous system
The date is loaded with potassium, and yet contain little sodium, and that goes a long way in keeping  nervous system in order. The potassium helps to reduce cholesterol and keeps the risk of a stroke in check.

6. Rich in iron
Apart from the fluorine that keeps  teeth healthy, dates also contain iron, which is highly recommended for those who suffer from iron deficiency. Severe iron-deficiency anaemia may cause fatigue or tiredness, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Plus it's great for blood purification as well.

7. Promotes digestion
If one soak a few dates in water and chew on them daily, your digestive system will behave itself very well. Due to its high fibre content, it is also recommended for those who have trouble with constipation.

8. Improves skin

The vitamins C and D works on your skin's elasticity and also keeps skin smooth. Plus, if  suffer from skin problems, incorporating dates into diet might help in the long run. Plus dates also come with anti-ageing benefits and prevent the accumulation of melanin in  body.

9. Fixes hangovers
While we haven't exactly tried it out, but it's said that dates are an excellent way to control inebriation. And similarly, it also helps to cure hangovers. But for best results,it have to rub the skin a bit, and soak it in water overnight and then eat it.

10. Assists in weight gain
The sugar, proteins, and other vitamins in the fruit help in weight gain, especially when need it. Incidentally, it's said that when eaten with cucumber, dates help to keep weight at a normal level. Now that's what we call flexibility.

Cooking with Dates
Dates are best eaten by themselves. The sweet fruit makes for an excellent breakfast snack, or in cereals and porridge. Plenty of people have even switched to date syrup instead of refined sugar. Jaggery made from date palm tastes delicious with black coffee, and dried dates can be added to cakes, bread, and other dishes. Keep a box of seeded or seedless dates in refrigerator, and make sure to have a few every day. It will also prevent from overeating.