A date with dates: Demand rises during Ramzan

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Follow us:WhatsappFacebookTwitterTelegram.cls-1{fill:#4d4d4d;}.cls-2{fill:#fff;}Google NewsWith Ramzan being declared on Friday, Bangalore markets are all set to transact business worth around `1.5 crore through 67 types of the date fruit out of a variety of 300, during the holy month. The dry fruit, which was once considered a rich man’s diet in India and is a staple diet in the middle east and parts of South Asia, is synonymous with the Muslim community and Ramzan feast here in Bangalore as well.But of late people from various other communities have also found interest in the fruit. “We are getting some of the finest and costliest dates from Iran, Madina and Jordan. And most of our buyers are non-Muslims. Customers consume the fruit as its health benefits have come to fore, thanks to elders, dieticians and doctors,” said Mohammed Idris Choudry, Dates and Dry Fruit Merchant and general secretary, Russel Market.How is it marketed?: The dates are normally booked with Bombay Commodity Market, which makes transactions in ` 100-plus crores every day with international markets during this month. The traders from all over come here to book. They are given a code number and sent after payment and in a week’s time the dates are delivered to the location.Health Benefits: Dry fruits, especially dates top the chart because of its rich fibre count and high energy level. Dates have several health benefits. It has natural sugar, rich iron content, and is free from cholesterol. It provides relief from constipation. It has Vitamin B1 and B2. In Ayurveda and Unani medicine, it is advised for pregnancy and for good sexual appetite,” Dr Shika Mishra, Apollo Clinic.Business in International Market: As per the International Business report published in 2007, Egypt does a business of $1.3 million, while Iran comes second with $1 million, followed by Saudi Arabia with $0.98 million, UAE with $0.75 million and Pakistan with $0.55 million.Historical reference and medical significance: Dates can be traced back to Persians during the birth of Islam 1,500 years ago. It is said that the Prophet used to fast the whole day and just have dates to fill his stomach at dawn. Dates used to be on every platter in the middle east irrespective of the standard of living. Even the Unani form of medicine, which was propagated by the Arabs, has given significance to dates. It is said that dates treat a number of neuro-related diseases too.first published:January 01, 1970, 05:30 ISTlast updated:January 01, 1970, 05:30 IST
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With Ramzan being declared on Friday, Bangalore markets are all set to transact business worth around `1.5 crore through 67 types of the date fruit out of a variety of 300, during the holy month. The dry fruit, which was once considered a rich man’s diet in India and is a staple diet in the middle east and parts of South Asia, is synonymous with the Muslim community and Ramzan feast here in Bangalore as well.

But of late people from various other communities have also found interest in the fruit. “We are getting some of the finest and costliest dates from Iran, Madina and Jordan. And most of our buyers are non-Muslims. Customers consume the fruit as its health benefits have come to fore, thanks to elders, dieticians and doctors,” said Mohammed Idris Choudry, Dates and Dry Fruit Merchant and general secretary, Russel Market.

How is it marketed?: The dates are normally booked with Bombay Commodity Market, which makes transactions in ` 100-plus crores every day with international markets during this month. The traders from all over come here to book. They are given a code number and sent after payment and in a week’s time the dates are delivered to the location.

Health Benefits: Dry fruits, especially dates top the chart because of its rich fibre count and high energy level. Dates have several health benefits. It has natural sugar, rich iron content, and is free from cholesterol. It provides relief from constipation. It has Vitamin B1 and B2. In Ayurveda and Unani medicine, it is advised for pregnancy and for good sexual appetite,” Dr Shika Mishra, Apollo Clinic.

Business in International Market: As per the International Business report published in 2007, Egypt does a business of $1.3 million, while Iran comes second with $1 million, followed by Saudi Arabia with $0.98 million, UAE with $0.75 million and Pakistan with $0.55 million.

Historical reference and medical significance: Dates can be traced back to Persians during the birth of Islam 1,500 years ago. It is said that the Prophet used to fast the whole day and just have dates to fill his stomach at dawn. Dates used to be on every platter in the middle east irrespective of the standard of living. Even the Unani form of medicine, which was propagated by the Arabs, has given significance to dates. It is said that dates treat a number of neuro-related diseases too.