Values and causes

Medjoul Dates

The ‘Medjoul’ is the finest of dates. It is grown in the Jericho area which has the perfect climate for producing these delicious, soft and succulent dates. They are sourced through the ‘Palm Farmers Cooperative’ and are a vital source of income in this area.

Dates are one of the oldest tree crops cultivated by man. More than 5000 years ago this valuable tree helped sustain the desert and nomadic peoples of the Middle East and North Africa.

Medjoul dates have been called the “king of dates” and the “crown jewel of dates.” Like most dates, the fruit is dried prior to being eaten. What really makes these dried wonders so special is that they are exceptionally large, contain a large amount of “fruit meat,” and are extremely sweet. Each center of the date has an elongated pit, which is easy to remove. Despite its sweetness, a couple of medjool dates only contain about 90 calories. They’re a good source of fiber and contain high levels of potassium, magnesium, copper and manganese. They do have a significant amount of fruit sugar, but this can make them a perfect alternative to other forms of dessert.

The “Medjoul” variety is produced in Jericho and the Jordan Valley in Palestine, and in some other places like California, USA.

Medjoul dates are usually eaten fresh as a desert after lunch or dinner. They are also used as an ingredient of different kinds of sweets and in packing as a paste.

 

In stock
SKU
DATES
Grouped product items
Product Name Qty
Medjoul Dates, 250g
£6.00
Medjoul Dates, 500g
£11.00
Out of stock

Try this recipe idea for flapjacks, made with fudgy Medjoul dates. Fiendishly more-ish and will make you the hero of any get-together. Delicious with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

Makes 14 portions

  • 125g unsalted butter
  • 100g brown sugar
  • 50g honey
  • 225g porridge oats
  • 10 pitted and chopped Zaytoun Medjoul dates
  • 50g chopped Zaytoun raw almonds
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1-2 tablespoon toasted coconut flakes, sesame seeds or sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Method

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas.
  2. Line a 27 x 18 cm (approx.) baking dish with baking parchment.
  3. Place the butter, sugar and honey in a pan at medium heat until the butter is melted. Remove from the heat and pour over the oats, dates, nuts, cinnamon, seeds and salt and combine.
  4. Transfer the mixture to the baking tray. Use the back of a spoon to press down the mixture in the tray until it’s compacted and even. Bake in the pre-heated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
  5. Remove from the oven and allow to cool down completely before turning out and cutting into slices.

Why medjoul dates are a natural healthy snack...It’s because they contain many vitamins and minerals including:

Vitamin A: has a role in the development and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, eyes, immunity and reproduction.
Magnesium: sometimes called the “anti-stress mineral” and helps in the regulation of blood pressure and in the prevention of dental cases.
Vitamin B: helps fuel the body by converting blood sugar into energy. It is essential for the nervous system, cardiovascular and muscular functions.
Potassium: helps regulate major body functions including normal heart rhythm, nerve impulses, blood pressure and muscle contractions.
Iron: functions primarily as a carrier of oxygen in the body. It also helps in energy metabolism and work performance due to its effect on blood cells’ efficiency.
Phosphorus: contributes to a healthy bone and teeth structure as well as other cells in the body.

The Producers: Medjoul dates in Palestine are produced by Palestinian farmers who are members of the Palm Tree Farmers’ Association which operates in Jericho and the Jordan Valley. This cooperative has around 65 members who are all dedicated to producing very high quality Medjool dates, to organic farming and environmental protection. 

More Information
SKU DATES
Manufacturer Zaytoun
Values and causes Fair Trade, Organic
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