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Tunisia dates, Phoenix dactylifera, originated from Greece. The date palm majorly grew in Phoenicia ( a coast between the Mediterranean and the valley of Jordan. Date fruits originated from the middle east and north Africa. Dates are a staple food in Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Arabia, and Iran.

Dactylifera, meaning fingers, is the reference of the shape that the dates palms grew in. The date palms have a height of 69-75 feet producing red, yellow, royal purple date fruits. With a higher nutritional value, dates contain major carbohydrates, fibre, and vitamin B. They are also an excellent source of iron, calcium, and potassium.

Studies reveal that dates have health benefits and contain phytochemicals that help in reducing cholesterol levels and cardiovascular diseases. Tunisia is now the fourth exporter of date fruits after Iraq, Iran, and Pakistan. Palm dates have a tremendously high value. The fruit now puts Tunisia at the centre of the global production index.

 Tunisia ‘s variety of Deglet Nour is now the lead export to European countries. 

Dates are cultivated only in the oasis zone of southern Tunisia. A significant production percentage comes from Kebili, Cabes, and Gatfsa. The country now exports about 240,000k metric tonnes annually.

Deglet Nour is the main export variety from Tunisia and accounts for 75% of total production in Tunisia. Available throughout the year, it is sweet and has a translucent look. Other types like ( Alig, Kenta, Rochdi) have alow demand due to their genetic heritage therefore, their export value is low.

Characteristics of Other Common Varieties are ;

• Kenta: Matures early in a golden colour, it is less sweet.
• Khouat Alig: Has a relatively low water content, is less sweet and less popular.
• Alig: Harvested towards the end of the year. 

For a bountiful harvest, improving conditions of dates are necessary for guaranteed healthy juicy fruits. They produce fruits after five years, with the male date fruit-producing pollen and female producing flowers, hand pollination done.

The fruit thrives in sandy loam soils with a PH of 8-11ph, and a temperature of about 20 degrees Fahrenheit and full harvest is sure. Thinning and bagging protect the fruit from external attacks. Although the date palms are drought resistant, irrigation applied to perfect the quality of fruit harvested. Right spacing, weeding, pruning of the date palms are done. A tree produces about 100-120kg. Tunisia dates are harvested when fully ripe depending on the market demand. Once they turn brown, they are collected. Hand-picking must be done carefully to avoid bruises and damages. The date trees must also be protected from rain as it causes rotting and fermentation. Wax paper, nylon is used to protect it from rain.

The transportation of dates is critical. After harvest, dates shielded from heat for long-distance transport, refrigeration, and freezer are used to prevent it from heat damage. They are transported in cartons, boxes, and corrugated boxes.

From the time it was founded millions of years ago, the fruits possess healing powers, boost energy, and decreasing cholesterol levels. With a high level of soluble fibre that is essential and promotes bowel movement, dates are relief from constipation.

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