Top Countries Growing Premium Dates

Top Countries Growing Premium Dates

Date is a delicious fruit that is widely consumed across the world. It is mainly eaten in its ripe, dried state and contains many essential nutrients like Vitamins, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Zinc etc. Dates are considered a desert cash crop throughout Middle Eastern countries, with evidence of cultivation dating back many centuries.

How are dates cultivated?

For growth, date palms require arid and semi-arid conditions in places that have long, hot summers and little to no rainfall. Bateel follows an extensive farming method. The roots are kept clear of grass and weeds and a small trench is dug around the base of the tree in an agricultural setting. This trench is then filled with water so that it may be absorbed by the roots. When the fruit begins to form on long strands, agricultural workers remove a large percentage of the fruits to allow the remaining dates to grow to large sizes.

Below is a look at the top countries growing premium dates every year.

Egypt

Egypt is the world leader in date production and cultivation. According to an earlier estimate, each year this country produces approximately 1,373,570 metric tons of dates. This represents around 17% of global date production.

United Arab Emirates

With an estimated 40.7 million date palms planted in the country, UAE produces 900,000 metric tons of the delicious fruit. Accounting for around 6% of total global production, the United Arab Emirates has become one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of premium dates.

Saudi Arabia

This warm country has the perfect conditions for date growth and cultivation, producing 1,122,820 metric tons per year. Nearly 388,000 acres of land across the country are dedicated to date palms and fruit production.

Iran

Iran produces 1,016,000 metric tons of dates annually. The majority of Iran’s date exports go to Asian countries like India, Malaysia, with Russia following close behind.

Algeria

As per a recent report, Algeria’s production of dates hit 1,005,000 metric tons in 2017. The  reported volume is near twice as large than the one registered five years ago.

Date palms are a fundamental part of Arab life and heritage. For thousands of years, they have provided shelter, food and other necessities to the Arab tribes who utilized all parts of the tree and its fruit. Undeniably appetizing at all stages of maturity – ripe and fresh, semi-matured and dried, the fruit has been a basic staple of the Arab diet. Nowadays, date is being marketed all over the world as a high-value confectionery and fruit crop. It also remains an extremely important subsistence crop in most of the desert regions.

Jacqueline Maddison
Jacqueline Maddison is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Beverly Hills Magazine. She believes in shining light on the best of the best in life. She welcomes you into the world of the rich and famous with the ultimate luxury lifestyle.
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