Ratna Chotrani/Hyderabad 

In the ongoing holy month of Ramazan Hyderabad turns into one of the biggest markets for dates in the country. The city consumes around 400 truckloads of dates that come from various seaports in Chennai, Mumbai etc

This is because, in the exhaustive list of fruits, haleem, biryani etc dates are an imperative part of the Ramazan menu. It’s a must-have for all Muslims – the rich and poor – as the fruit along with the water was what Prophet Mohammed broke his fast with for the first time.

That precedent – called Sunnat – makes the dates to Ramazan what eggs are to Easter or maybe Turkey to thanksgiving for the Christians.

Mohammad Hussain, one of the big fruit merchants at Mozzamjahi market, says during the Ramazan it’s impossible to imagine any Muslim family that has not stocked with the fruit. While anIftar meal is packed with sumptuous and signature Ramazan delicacies, ranging from kebabs, biryanis, sharbat and desserts, the day-long fast is broken with the mandatory date and a glass of water.

Markets in Hyderabad are full of this fruit; its price ranges from Rs. 70 to 1800 a kilogram. The most expensive is the Medjoul, the jumbo-sized date variety from the UAE. 

Hussain says that many customers ask for imported black dates.”Each year I order dates from countries like Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran Iraq and Tasmania.”

An India exotic date variety popular among food connoisseurs is Pent khajoor and its sourced from the forests of Gujarat. The most sought after and therefore expensive variety is the round-shaped, curled, black "Ajwa" which is grown in Madina, Saudi Arabia.

There Prophet Muhammad had planted a date tree and recited an abundance of prayers. He said that those who eat seven dates on an empty stomach in the morning will be protected from any poison and ill-wishes. No wonder this variety is sold between Rs. 1350 to as high as Rs.10,000 per kilo.  

Mohammed Hussain also orders dates likeBrari, Safraphi , Mabroom, Sukari , Kimaya, Amber and each of these have a unique taste.     

Dates are just not considered a healthy food without any reason. Its Iron improves collagen synthesis as well as blood circulation to the scalp. Vitamins A, C, B1 B2 help promote skin elasticity hence dates are considered to not only improve the skin but hair quality as well.  Dates have a low glycemic index says nutritionists and hence digest slowly they help to regulate blood sugar. Plus dates have minerals and micronutrients like Selenium, Manganese Copper and Magnesium that are important for bone development and strength.

Besides the iron content in dates plays a part in getting oxygen into one's bones for faster healing. Dates not only keep one healthy and fuller for longer,they can also help boost immunity, especially during the Covid times.

According to nutritionist, dates are high on antioxidants - higher than other superfruits like figs and plums. They are rich in flavonoids that help reduce inflammation and have the potential to reduce the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer. Carotenoids found in dates are known to protect the cells from harmful free radicals that cause disease.