Many years ago, there was a snack called "Iraqi dates", which looked like dates, but were sweeter than dates and sweeter like candy. It used to be our favorite, and every time we bought it, we were reluctant to eat it, so we could only taste it little by little. So, what are Iraqi dates, where did they come from, and why did they suddenly disappear?
The origin of Iraqi dates
Iraqi dates, as the name suggests, are a type of dates imported from Iraq. Its scientific name is date, and it is the fruit of a large evergreen tree of the genus Thornflower in the family Palmaceae. It is native to the Middle East region and is mainly found in countries such as Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, etc. It is a very old fruit known as "bread on the tree" because it is rich in sugar, protein, vitamins and minerals and can be eaten as a staple or snack. It is also a very precious fruit and is known as the "pearl of the desert" because of its ability to grow in arid, barren, and high-temperature environments, and it is highly adaptable and resistant to stress.
How did Iraqi dates come to our country? It all started in the fifties and sixties of the last century. At that time, the relationship between the mainland and Iraq was very friendly, and there were frequent economic and trade exchanges. Iraqi dates are one of the important imports. At that time, the economic conditions on the mainland were not very good, and sweets such as sweets were relatively scarce, while Iraqi dates were very cheap, only a few cents a catty. As a result, Iraqi dates quickly became popular with the people of the mainland, especially children, to eat as a delicious candy. As a result, Iraqi dates have become a special food on the mainland and have become popular for a while.
Characteristics of Iraqi dates
The best feature of Iraqi dates is that they are very sweet. It has a sugar content of up to 70%, which is more than twice that of regular dates. Its sweetness is comparable to that of white sugar, and even surpasses that of honey. This is because when Iraqi dates are ripe, they are naturally air-dried on the trees or hand-dried after being harvested, so that the water evaporates and the sugars are concentrated, forming a honey-like skin. This crust not only adds sweetness but also aroma that makes it mouth-watering.
Another characteristic of Iraqi dates is that they are very coarse and heavy. Its fruit is much larger than ordinary dates, generally the size of an egg, and some are even the size of a fist. Its flesh is much thicker than that of ordinary dates, generally about one centimeter, and some even about two centimeters. Its pit is much harder than that of a regular jujube, generally the size of a walnut. As a result, Iraqi dates are very chewy and feel very filling.
The final feature of Iraqi dates is that they are very shelf-stable. After its fruit is air-dried, it can be stored for a long time without spoilage, mold, and insects. After its flesh is air-dried, it can become very soft and will not become hard, dry, or black. Its pits are air-dried and can become very light, so Iraqi dates can be eaten in any season and anywhere without worrying about affecting quality and taste.
The disappearance of Iraqi dates
Iraqi dates used to be our favorite, but then suddenly disappeared, why is that? Iraqi dates, while sweet, have their drawbacks. Its sugar content is too high to be consumed regularly, otherwise it will lead to problems such as increased blood sugar, tooth decay, obesity, etc. With the emphasis on health, the demand for sweets has gradually decreased, and the market for Iraqi dates has been lost.
Although Iraqi dates are thick and heavy, they also have disadvantages. Its fruit is too large to carry and store, taking up a lot of space and weight. Its flesh is too thick to chew and digest, which can easily cause stomach upset. Its pits are too hard to peel off and handle, which can easily cause damage to teeth and mouth. Therefore, Iraqi dates are also not suitable for the lifestyle of modern people and are gradually forgotten.
Iraqi dates, although rare, are also difficult. It is mainly produced in the Middle East, and has been affected by various factors such as war, politics, and climate, which have led to a decline in production and an increase in prices. Its imports are also subject to various restrictions such as trade, tariffs, and quarantine, resulting in unstable supply and unguaranteed quality. As a result, Iraqi dates are not readily available and are gradually forgotten.
Iraqi dates are not only a fruit, but also an emotion and a symbol. It represents the childhood of some people and is a kind of bridge between us and the Middle East that is worth remembering.