Date Palms |
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The date palm culture has existed in the Gulf since several thousand years ago and from here it was propagated around the world. From May to September fruits of the palm tree ripe and thus need to be harvested. Different varieties of dates are cultivated in the region (e.g. Lulu, Habash, Khis, Anghal, Anwan) and can be purchased in most of the grocery shops. Dates are often part of traditional desserts and they can be tasted in a form of date honey called dibs. In the past, dates were a major source of food being rich in calories and easily preserved. Dates were also used as a fodder for animals. What is more, the date palm was essential for the cultivation of other plants, since the shadow in the palm groves created also a suitable microclimate for small farming.
Before the discovery of oil, household articles were made from the most available source, the date palm.The fronds of the palms were weaved, and this process was called khoos. The most common items that were made include: baskets (jafeer) used as storage or to carry food; mats (suroud) placed on the floor as a base for the food; cones (makabbah) used to cover the food; and censers (mibkhara) served as a stand on which clothes were hung and then infused with incense. These can still be seen and purchased at the RAK Old Souq. One of the most amazing products made from date palm were arish houses constructed usually by the beach or in the palm groves. It was a perfect house for the summer months, it provided privacy and the passing breeze could get through the walls to cool the interiors.
The importance of the date palm has declined since other food and household products became widely available in the modern UAE. Nevertheless, dates are still very much loved fruits, and they are usually consumed as desserts, and to break the fast during Ramadan. Sadly, due to the problems connected with high salinity of underground water, many palm gardens are now slowly dying. This issue needs to be solved in order for these plants to survive for future generations. |
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