Tag: Phoenix dactylifera

With a history dating back at least 6,000 years, the date palm, which produces the sweet fruit we know as dates, is one of the oldest cultivated fruit trees in the world. In botanical terms, the answer to what family are dates part of is the Arecaceae family, which is the scientific name for the palm family. This classification groups the date palm with other well-known palms, including coconut and palm oil trees.

According to a 2024 review, lead and cadmium contaminants were detected only in trace amounts in date seeds, making it unlikely to pose a risk to human health under normal conditions. This provides context as we explore the crucial question: does date seed have lead?

Did you know that dried dates have a higher polyphenol content than many other dried fruits, with up to 3.0 g/100 g reported in some databases? The fruit of the date palm, *Phoenix dactylifera*, is a rich source of diverse phytochemicals, playing a significant role in its potent health benefits.

Archaeological evidence suggests that date palms have been cultivated for over 6,000 years, making them one of the oldest cultivated fruit crops in the world. This long history of cultivation has led to some confusion about what category do dates belong to from both a botanical and culinary standpoint.