Date Palms – Displaying Great Aesthetic Value and Great Source of Food
Phoenix dactylifera, commonly known as date palm has been cultivated as early as 6,000 BC in Arabia. Apart from being ornamental plants, this plant has been discovered to possess great nutritional value capable of fighting diseases.
Date Palms – Plants That Give A Lot
Coming from the Palmae and Arecaceae family from the Middle East and North Africa, it was missionaries from Spain during the 18th and 19th century that introduced the plant into other parts of the world. Date palms reach 23 meters in height with its leaves reaching 5 meters in length. Every single part of date palms can be utilized, from the roots up to the tips. The trunk of the tree can be used as timber while the midribs from its leaves can be utilized to produce furniture. The leaves can be woven into baskets, mats and other similar products while the base of said leaves is a good source of fuel. The sap of dates can be extracted for beverage purposes while the stalks and fiber can serve as materials for ropes. Even when cut down, the plant still gives something off, in the form of the terminal bud consumed as salad.
Date Fruit – High Nutritional Value
In the Middle East and other countries abundant in dates, date fruit is considered a staple food and part of their rich culture and tradition. Studies revealed that it contains a high level of carbohydrates, protein, amino acids, vitamins, fifteen minerals and dietary fibers needed by the body. The date fruit has a single seed and is oblong in shape, depending on the place where the tree grows, the color, size, flesh of the fruit differs. It can be eaten fresh, dried, candied, processed, glazed or with other fruits and nuts. It is also used as a source of syrup, vinegar, liquor and even alcohol. Other countries also make use of it as an ingredient for bread while other products from the fruit include sugar, champagne, and juice. Packed with all the nutrients vital for body functions, it is considered a healthy addition to one’s diet.
Date Palm Trees – Taking Advantage
More than the aesthetic contribution of dates to people’s surroundings, it has been found out in several researches and studies conducted that these plants are indeed beneficial in more ways than expected. Date palm trees are capable of producing different products from its parts, some of which are for medicinal purposes. The tannin content of dates are good for problems in the intestines while the gum from the trunk can be used to combat diarrhea or urinary problems, even the roots of the said tree can serve as a remedy for toothache. They are also utilized to relieve conditions such as colds, sore throat, catarrh and fever. Propagation of the said plant is being looked into in order to provide people with the nutritional supply it gives. Treatments for bayoud disease, capable of destroying certain date variety are being developed as well as the propagation of varieties that can resist said disease.