The majestic Medjool, which is also known as the California Date, has been revered by generations as one of the most popular date varieties in the world. Its name comes from the , associated with jahila (translated as ‘not to know’) because it was once an unknown variety that was found growing in an oasis in Morocco.
Considered the oldest cultivated fruit in the world, the exact origin of most date varieties, including the Medjool, remains a mystery but they’ve been growing in abundance for thousands of years across the Middle East, Africa, America and beyond.
There are several fascinating accounts of its emergence in different countries, such as how the Medjool first arrived in America. In the late 19th century, the U.S. Department of Agriculture tasked ‘agricultural explorers’ with the task of travelling the world to search for new food that farmers could grow back home. When went to study dates in Algeria, they realised that its cultivation conditions were very similar to California’s hot Coachella Valley, and decided to take back large offshoots of the Medjool date palm. Once planted in the remote American desert area, the trees began to thrive. Today, 95% of all Medjool dates in the are still grown in the Coachella Valley.
The strength, resilience and potential of date palm branches also inspired the Bateel name – derived from Arabic, ‘bateel’ referring to the young offshoot that can grow into a new tree.
The Medjool’s popularity can be attributed to the fact that it’s one of the most commonly cultivated varieties, making it widely available. Year after year, demand for the superfood continues to rise, with many people around the world enjoying the Medjool’s plump texture and distinctive caramel-like taste.
Health benefits of Medjool dates
A low calorie yet high energy fruit, Medjool dates have a number of benefits, including:
- Maintains blood pressure: The Medjool’s high levels of potassium help regulate blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Potassium also helps give a boost to essential nervous system functions.
- Reduces cholesterol: Elevated levels of dietary fibre in Medjool dates supports good digestion and aids in lowering bad (LDL) cholesterol. Dates are rich in healthy, all-natural sugar, though it’s always wise to enjoy the fruits in moderation.
- Boosts immunity: In addition to being a good source of minerals such as magnesium and calcium, Medjool dates are also rich in phytonutrients – these plant-based compounds can reduce inflammation and aids the immune system.
- Improves metabolism: Dates not only help lower blood sugar levels, which reduces the risk of diabetes, but its many vitamins such as folate also help convert food to energy. This makes dates the ideal healthy snack before a gym workout or when feeling tired.
- Encourages healthy bones: A natural source of nutrition, Medjool dates also have noteworthy levels of magnesium, copper and calcium that help maintain the mineral density of bones and improves overall bone health.
Medjool dates are a versatile treat and a healthy addition to daily diets. While many enjoy the dates raw, the fruit can also be used as an alternative to processed sugar, and is often incorporated in smoothies, desserts or savoury marinades.
Bateel grows its signature Medjool dates in specialist organic farms in the Al Ghat region of Saudi Arabia, renowned for its naturally-flowing waters and bountiful soil. Harvested only when perfectly ripe, the Medjool is one of the crowning jewels in the Bateel portfolio, standing out for its reddish-brown skin and sweet amber flesh with hints of honeyed caramel and delicate vanilla.
Bateel dates are also delicious when filled with premium ingredients. Discover the entire range online, which features the addition of crunchy, nutty pistachio, luxurious candied orange peel and more, each perfectly complementing the rich flavours of the Medjool.
