|
History
 Originally from Morocco, the Medjool Date was reserved for royal hosts and other dignitaries. Centuries later, in the 1920's, disease threatened the existence of the Medjool Date in Morocco. In a radical move to save the Medjool, the Chariff of Morocco gave the United States, 11 immature palms to replant.
One place in particular that serves the palm very well is the Bard Valley. The palms flourish in the dry heat and low rainfall with an enriched farmland from the passing Colorado and Gila rivers. The proximity to these rivers allows abundant irrigation for the trees root structure. Bard Valley now produces 70% of the Medjool dates in the United States market.
The date palm (Phoenix Dactylifera) is known as "The Tree of Life" and is a holy symbol to the Muslim people. The tree has had many uses in the cultures of the Middle East. It provided shelter, fuel, construction materials, materials for weaving and basket making, and most importantly - food.
Dates are perhaps the oldest tree crop cultivated by man. More than 5000 years ago this valuable tree helped sustain the desert and nomadic peoples of the Middle East and North Africa. Dates have been found in earthen jars in the tombs of Pharaohs and Kings, so placed to give them sustenance in their trip to the afterworld.
|
