Madinah Farmers Start Date Harvest As Fruits Reach Optimal Ripeness

Farmers in Madinah have commenced the date harvest as the palm fruits have ripened for the 1446 Hijri agricultural season. The ripening process of date palms involves several stages, beginning with pollination and progressing to thinning, where surplus fruits are removed to ensure optimal growth. Dates are carefully bagged in palm fronds to protect them from the sun's heat before being harvested.

In an interview with the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Radadi, chairman of the Madinah Dates Cooperative Association, highlighted the importance of post-harvest practices in maintaining the quality of dates. Al-Radadi mentioned recent studies showing that storing dates at four °C for six months preserves their nutritional value by enhancing phenols. These phenols act as antiseptics and disinfectants, protecting against various micro-organisms, including some fungi and viruses.

Al-Radadi explained that this storage method also maintains and improves crucial antioxidants in dates, doubling their nutritional value after a year of preservation. He emphasized that these antioxidants are vital for health benefits.

Discussing the unique qualities of dates, Al-Radadi noted their consumption at different ripening stages. The "khalal" stage is when the fruit changes colour to yellow or red based on its variety. The "rutab" stage follows when the fruit softens, and finally, the "tamr" stage occurs when the date is fully ripe, soft, and can be eaten either moist or dry.

He added that due to the intense sun in Saudi Arabia, scientific research has shown that dates develop more phenols to survive harsh conditions. These polyphenols offer protection against various diseases.

Varieties Available in Market

The market currently offers various types of dates due to the season. These include Ajwa, Sukkari, and Mejdool varieties. Later in the season, Safawi, Anbarah, Barni, and Shalaby dates will also become available.

Al-Radadi pointed out that these different varieties cater to diverse consumer preferences and nutritional needs.

The harvesting process is crucial for ensuring high-quality dates reach consumers while maintaining their nutritional benefits through proper storage techniques.

With inputs from SPA