The date is not as colorful as the rest of the fruit in the produce aisle, but researchers say that Americans could gain a lot by cultivating a taste for the fruit, which is very popular in Eastern cuisine.

Dates are high in phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds are antioxidants and can prevent the damage done to our bodies by harmful free radicals. In fact, the Deglet Noor date, which is the most likely type to be eaten by Americans, scored higher than six other types of dates and outperforms most other fruits and vegetables when it comes to protective antioxidant content.

Americans probably encounter dates mostly in cereals and granola bars. But the Agricultural Research Service, a branch of the US Department of Agriculture, believes Americans should consider dates as a high-energy and delicious food source and is working to encourage and aid the cultivation of date palms, both here and in the Middle East.

Dates To Remember