Deglet Nour is the pride of southern Tunisia, the most prestigious of Tunisian dates and is considered among best quality dates in the World. In fact, it takes its name from the meaning “Date of the Light” – It is also referred to as the “Royal Dates”. Indeed, the famous Deglet Nour is known for its slight translucency which reveals its core, as well as its elongated shape.
Deglet Nour is often recognized as a fruit high in dietary fiber, helping to prevent absorption of LDL cholesterol in the intestine. In addition, the fiber of dates works as a natural laxative. Thus, consuming dates daily helps protect the mucous membrane of the colon from the damaging effect of carcinogenic chemicals that bind to it.
Deglet El Nour does also contain moderate sources of vitamin A (contains 149 IU per 100 g), known for its antioxidant properties and essential for visual acuity.
In order to maintain the skin and the mucous membranes in good health, the consumption of dates is essential. In fact, dates are naturally rich in vitamin A, helping to protect against lung cancer.
Excellent source of iron, dates provide 0.90 mg / 100 g of fruit (about 11% of the RDI). Here, iron, the component of hemoglobin in red blood cells, determines the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
Suggested Read: Tunisian-Style Stuffed Dates — Tunisia’s Healthiest Sweet Appetizer
Thanks to the wonderful Tunisian sun, Deglet El Nour contains excellent sources of potassium. The latter is an important component of cell and body fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
Deglet Nour is also rich in minerals, such as calcium, manganese, copper and magnesium. Indeed, calcium is an important mineral, an essential constituent of bones and teeth, and essential for muscle contraction, blood coagulation and the conduction of nerve impulses. Manganese, on the other hand, is used by the body as a cofactor for the antioxidant enzyme; superoxide dismutase. Second, copper is needed for the production of red blood cells and magnesium for bone growth.
On the other hand, Deglet Nour contains significant amounts of pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), niacin, pantothenic acid and riboflavin. These vitamins act as cofactors that help the body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Main symbol of Tunisia, Deglet El Nour has been cultivated there for over 5000 years. There are male and female palms, however it is difficult to tell them apart before flowering.
At first glance, it is the spathes, brown envelopes that appear under the palms, which characterize the genus of the palm tree. Rather long and slender in females and swollen in males. A male can manage to polonize about fifty females. Indeed, with the help of a palm branch, a male palm leaf is attached to it at the center of a female bunch. A kind of white powder will come out of the male branch which, dispersed by the wind, will fertilize the palm trees of Deglet Noor. Therefore, the palm grove consists of a predominantly female territory, each palm capable of producing 10 to 20 bunches of bunches and up to 100 kg of Tunisian dates each year provided it is well irrigated. To increase the production of dates, it would naturally be necessary to avoid sowing since each stone risks producing a new variety other than Deglet Nour.
Young palm groves are designed from a kind of cuttings by removing suckers that grow at the base of a young female plant selected from the desired variety. Fresh and noble product, Deglet Noor does not undergo any drying system. After fertilization, the future Deglet El Nour is still a young fruit of green color and round shape. It is during the summer that Deglet Nour matures. Hence the famous expression “head in the sun and feet in the water”. However although it is smooth, yellow and strong in its nutritive properties, Deglet Nour remains very rough in taste. Also, a person, commonly called “Gayel” will be responsible for monitoring the ripening of the Tunisian dates.
Thereafter, it is from October that the harvest of Deglet Noor begins and continues until December. Indeed, it will take the sun of summer and very often that of autumn for the date to ripen. The date then softens, becomes blonde and its flavor becomes exceptional like divine nectar.
Boxed like fine chocolates, premium Tunisian dates of Deglet Nour are just as sweet and pack a guilt-free nutritional punch – and they’re not only for snacking anymore.
The majority of Deglet Nour is consumed during the month of Ramadan, with prophetic Muslim tradition using this food during the fast breaking ritual, Christmas and New Year celebrations, Christmas and family ceremonies.
Other Varieties
In Tunisia, there are different varieties of dates alongside the famous Deglet Nour, such as Alig, Khouet Alig, Rochdi, Kenta, Bisr, Kentichi, etc., all grouped under the generic name of common dates. The Deglet Nour date from Tunisia has exceptional nutritional virtues which are conferred on it thanks to the endemic oases of southern Tunisia.
Consuming dates with a glass of milk is a complete and balanced meal, for all ages and all nutritional needs. In Tunisia, the harvest of Deglet Nour exceeds 70% each year, against 30% of common dates.
If you would like to comment on this article or anything else you have seen on Carthage Magazine, leave a comment below or head over to our Facebook page. You may also message us via this page.
And if you liked this article, sign up for the monthly features newsletter. A handpicked selection of stories from Carthage Magazine, delivered to your inbox.
