Dates are single-stone tropical fruits growing on the date palm tree. Its origin dates back approximately to 5,000 years ago in the Persian Gulf area of the Middle East.

The most delicate and delicious kinds of dates are grown in Iran. The fruit has a huge variety; some of which are much-admired worldwide, and are produced in the southern, southwestern, and southeastern palm groves of Iran.

The fruits are ripened in big clusters, changing in look, feel, and flavor when on the tree. In variable shades, they vary from light green, crunchy, and acerbic to chewy, soft, and delightful. Some are generally smaller and drier, and others are nearly dark.

Dates are categorized by varieties:

• Dried date: it is the ripe date that contains less than 15 percent content of moisture.
• Semi-dried date: it is ripened date with moisture 15% to 18%.
• Fresh date: it refers to a full-grown, ready date with moisture content between 18% to 35%.

There are five important dates like Mazafati Dates, Piarom Dates, Sayer Dates, Rabbi Dates, and Zahedi Dates.

The Piarom dates, one of the richest dates across the world, only grow in Iran. This semi-dried, dark, round-shaped date, with the moisture content of about 15%, is produced in Hormozgan area.

The Rabbi Date is one of the best and earliest dates in the world, which just grows in Iran. Beautifully dark, with soft texture, Rabbi Dates are a kind of semi-dry date. In Iran, the economic value of Rabbi Date is immense for its unique benefits, profitable and nourishing value.

This semi-dried date grows in Sistan and Baluchestan, a province of Iran among its 31 provinces. Rabbi Dates have thinner skin, and are brighter than the Mazafati variety. With small core and long size, juicy Rabbi Dates are exported around the world.

The fruit is rich in nutrients like minerals protein, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. The various saffron content of the date helps to raise the level of immunity against ailments.

The minerals found in the Rabbi Dates include:

• Potassium(964mg), Calcium (64 mg), Phosphorus (62 mg), Iron (90 mg) Copper (0.362 mg), Manganese (0.296 mg), Magnesium (54 mg) Zinc (0.44 mg)

And the Vitamins found in one of the Rabbi dates fruit are:

Vitamins A, C, B, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, which help the body to maintain balance and keep all the parameters in good harmony.

Date Fruit is one best source of calories. The larger dates of 8 grams may have about 23 calories. A cup of Iranian Dates contains about 4.5 gm of protein, 0.7 gm fat, 134 gm carbohydrates, 14 gm dietary fiber, and 113 gm sugar.