Cover image via My New RootsA staple fruit of the Middle East, dates (known as kurma in Malay) are particularly prevalent during the month of Ramadan where they are eaten to break the fast or given as gifts
Image via The Same Rainbow's End
Traditionally known as the food Prophet Muhammad ate when he broke his fast, dates have played a key role in the cuisine, culture, and rituals surrounding hospitality in Middle Eastern countries
Image via Agriculture Corner
For centuries, nomadic people in the Middle East relied on dates as a diet staple. Not only can they be kept for a very, very long time, dates are an excellent source for nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, and a variety of minerals.
Image via The Same Rainbow's End
That's why dates are an essential part in breaking fast during Ramadan. Besides providing essential nutrients for those who are fasting, carbohydrates in the fruit ensures that you have enough energy to get you through the day as they digest much slower than fried or fatty foods.
Image via Universal Life Church Ministry
Aside from that, dates also come attached with a lot of health benefits, including:
Too many words? Okay, here's a TL;DR version:
Image via Organic Facts
Thousands of date varieties are available around the world, categorised into three basic types – soft (e.g. barhi, halawi, khadrawi, and medjool), semi-dry (deglet noor and zahidi), and dry (thoori)
While dates are available all-year round, they are pretty hard to come by. However, come Ramadan, you will see mountains of boxes of dates piled up high in your local supermarkets and grocery stores in preparation for the fasting month.
Image via Muhammad Azrol Ali / The Rakyat Post
Some of the most popular date varieties available in Malaysia include mazafati (also known as kurma madu), piarom or maryami, ghasb, sayer, ajwa (kurma nabi), and of course, mehjood, which is considered the best date fruit in the world
Image via nathalielawhead.com
There are quite a number of date suppliers and brands in Malaysia, but the most well-known of them all has got to be the best-selling Yusuf Taiyoob dates… all thanks to its iconic 'whispering' ad
Image via Shaolin Tiger
Ramadan in Malaysia is not complete without this ad making its rounds on national TV. It's so iconic there are **memes** inspired by the ad.
While dates – whether fresh or dried – already taste good on its own, you can also elevate and incorporate the fruit into some pretty amazing snacks. All you need are some fresh dates, a food processor, and these simple recipes:
Or simply take a leaf out of local celeb Neelofa's book and pair it with some honey and milk!
Image via Instagram @noorneelofa
