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Dates have been a staple food in the Middle East region for thousands of years. Traditionally, Muslims all across the world are keen on storing dates in their houses, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, as Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) used to eat dates for breaking his fast.
Qataris too have been following this tradition and as Ramadan approaches, the demand for dates has started rising. There are special shops providing different varieties of dates and date products.
Mohammed Ibrahim, a date trader, explained to Qatar Tribune why people buy dates during Ramadan and the different types of dates and their uses. During the period of Ramadan, when fasting lasts from sunrise to sunset, one experiences headaches, low blood sugar, and lethargy, Ibrahim said."To avoid such problems, one should carefully monitor one's eating habits once fasting for the day has ended," Ibrahim said.
Dates are an excellent source of fiber, sugar, magnesium, potassium, and have carbohydrates that aid the body in maintaining health, he added.
The carbohydrates found in dates also make the fruit a slower digesting food, which provides sustenance for longer ” much better than fried or fatty foods. Not only are dates digested faster but one feels hungry for more.
There are approximately 100 varieties of dates. As for the most common types imported in Qatar, Ajwa, Sagei and Sukkari are on top of the list. Despite the diversity in the types of dates, of course, the best and most precious one is the round-shaped, curled, black Ajwa, which is grown in Medina.
Local dates are also very competitive in the Qatari market such as the Barhi and Hilali. However, many Qataris have their own domestic production of dates either in farms or in their backyards.
According to official statistics, Qatar produces over 31,000 tonnes of dates annually, which makes up 80 per cent of the date demand in the country.
Dates are served and consumed in several ways ” stuffed, processed or raw. According to Ibrahim, some customers order large quantities of dates stuffed with nuts like cashew or almonds."The dates we stuff are usually the Khodri and Sagei because they are somehow dryer than others and easier to be stuffed," Ibrahim said.
Some people prefer to make homemade deserts and cakes during Ramadan. Processed flavoured dates are a thriving industry in the region where dates are processed and packed. Ahmed Saied, who also runs a date store, said he depends more on processed, flavoured dates as it's mainly sold for those travelling abroad buying souvenirs from Qatar, or for children. Processed dates come in flavours like chocolate, caramel or mixed with saffron.
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23/04/2017
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