Dates
Of all the sweets that autumn brings, none are as sugary as the fruits of Phoenix dactylifera, the date palm. Spanish missionaries introduced dates to California in the 1700s, followed by other introductions in the 1800s. In the United States, they are cultivated in the Coachella Valley and in some parts of Arizona – the only places where climate conditions will support fruiting. The specific origin of date palms is unknown, but thought to be somewhere in North Africa or the Persian Gulf region. They have been cultivated since prehistoric times (perhaps for over 8,000 years) and are a staple in the diets of many peoples.
Some of the most crucial work on a date farm happens long the before the fall harvest. For date palms to set good fruit, they must be hand-pollinated in late winter and early spring. To do this, a human pollinator must collect pollen from the male trees and dust it onto stigmas of the female flowers (the pollen from one male can pollinate about 50 females). Dates are harvested by hand from September to December.
In Season
Available From
Recipes with Dates
![]() |
Date BreadHawa Hassan with Julia Turshen, In Bibi’s Kitchen |
![]() |
Damn Good Date BarsJen Musty, Batter Bakery |
![]() |
Chai Apple Date Cake with Spiced CreamJen Musty, Batter Bakery |
![]() |
Tipsy Chocolate Date Nut GemsCarole Walter, author of Great Cookie: Secrets to Sensational Sweets |
Articles about Dates
![]() |
September 07, 2012A Food Forest in the DesertFresh dates are back! Date and citrus farmer Robert Lower at Flying Disc Ranch is growing a permaculture food forest in the arid Coachella Valley. |
![]() |
March 26, 2010Way Down SouthThe majority of the farms that sell in the market are located within 200 miles of San Francisco. But, if look at our farm map, you’ll notice a few growers down in the southern part of the state. Why offer their products at the market? |
![]() |
October 07, 2005A Date with AutumnOf all the sweets that autumn brings – pomegranates, guavas, the first citrus, sweet hard squash, pears, and apples – none are as sugary as the fruits of Phoenix dactylifera, the date palm. Spanish missionaries introduced dates to California in the 1700s, followed by other introductions in the 1800s. |
About CUESA
CUESA (Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture) is dedicated to growing thriving communities through the power and joy of local food. Learn More »