Despite the prevalence of date processing and storage facilities, as well as changing lifestyles, many Emirati families in Al Ain and other regions of the UAE still prioritize preserving and storing dates at the end of July.
They particularly focus on the “Nghal” variety, which holds significant nutritional value and offers rich minerals and vitamins. This practice also revives an ancient craft that has been passed down through generations, requiring considerable effort and skill.
According to Abdullah Al Kaabi, a researcher in Emirati heritage: “The process of collecting, drying, storing, and preserving dates necessitates significant effort and high skill levels. It is a beautiful and inherited profession from our ancestors that ensures the sustainability of dates throughout the seasons.”
He noted that at the end of July, Emirati families begin to gather ripe dates, especially the “Nghal” type, and place them on a platforms made from palm fronds in a designated clean area to dry under the sun, either at home or on the farm.
Before storage, they clean the dried dates of any impurities. Once dried, the dates are packed in boxes or containers suitable for preservation. It’s important that the dates don’t come into contact with water during storage, as this can lead to spoilage, though they should be washed before consumption.
Al Kaabi praised the role of heritage festivals in the UAE, which aim to educate visitors and tourists about the importance of preserving and storing dates, helping to keep this heritage alive through live demonstrations and workshops. Future generations also learn about these practices and the contributions of their ancestors to preserving and safeguarding traditions.
Ahamd Al Hafiti, a farmer and influencer in the agricultural sector, affirmed that the date harvesting season is one that brings plentiful blessings and bountiful yields. He mentioned that collecting, drying, and storing dates is an age-old practice passed down from previous generations. “The harvesting of ripe dates occurs in stages, depending on the variety and the environment,” he explained.
This process involves sorting and selecting the good dates, which requires significant time and effort based on the quantity harvested. The date clusters are then separated in preparation for sorting the quality ones, while the dry or unsuitable dates are discarded before the preservation process begins.
He confirmed that the storage of dates is carried out in suitable, airtight plastic containers to protect them from dust and contaminants, noting that exposure to water can cause spoilage during storage.
Farmer Abdulrahman Al Shamsi stated: “At the end of the fresh date season, Emirati families in Al Ain and across the UAE work diligently to ensure they have palm fruits available at home by preserving and storing them. They leave the fresh dates in a clean location under sunlight until they fully dry and turn into dates.”
He added: “The practices of preserving, drying, and storing dates are traditions that the community has been accustomed to for generations, forming an integral part of their rich cultural heritage, enabling them to sustainably source and store their food.”