Physico‐chemical characteristics and total quality of five date varieties grown in the United Arab Emirates†

Abstract

Summary Five date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) varieties, commonly grown in the UAE, were studied for their chemical composition, physical, mechanical and rheological properties. All measurements were made at the ‘tamr’ stage, the final stage of fruit ripeness. Samples were analysed for sugar, moisture, protein, ash and mineral element contents. Physical measurements as well as mechanical and rheological measurements of the fruit including pitting pressure, shear pressure, and modulus of elasticity were also carried out. Significant differences were observed in the characteristics that were studied, allowing for distinguishable grades among the five varieties. Chemical and physical characteristics of the fruits influenced their mechanical and rheological properties, which in turn can be indicators of firmness and ultimately of quality. Results from this work revealed new and essential information for better understanding of the date fruit that helps to enhance industrialisation and propagation of the best date varieties that satisfy producers’ as well as consumers’ demands.

Effect of some Treatments on Chemical Composition and Quality Properties of Saidy Date Fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) During Storage

“…This data are in agreement with that reported by Ben Lambiote(1983), Youssef et al (1989), Abd-Ellateaf (1991), Ramadan (1995), Al-Hooti et al (1995), Nezam El-Din (1995), Youssef et al (1998), Assous (1999), Khalil et al (2002), Elleuch et al (2008), Abd-Ellah (2009), Hasnaoui et al (2010) and Borchani et al (2010). Besides, the results are in the same line with that recorded by Ramadan (1990), Khalil (1995), AlFarsi et al (2005a), Ismail et al (2006) and Selim et al (2012).…”

Effect of Algerian Varieties Dates on Glycemic, Arterial Blood Pressure and Satiety Responses

“…The proteins level is higher (0.05) in Deglet Noor. Although the three varieties of dates are poor in sodium, they were rich for potassium and magnesium, coherent results comparing with literature from whatever the geographic origin 29,30 . According to the USDA's National Nutrient Database for standard reference release 25, the dates have tenor higher for potassium than other common fruits or legumes consumed in the USA.…”

Practice of Phoenix dactylifera (Dates) among Residents in Kg. Dato’ Ahmad Razali, Dengkil, Selangor: A Preliminary Study

“…In UAE, the production of dates increasing every year and the production of dates and demands keep increasing and peak during Ramadhan, the fasting month of Muslim [10]. In Bangalore, India, the sales of dates are increasing, especially during Ramadhan month due to high demands.…”