On Frank Perez’ date farm in Mecca, Coachella Valley, the first of September is the start of the date harvest. Dates like a long hot and dry growing season and won’t tolerate any humidity, but still need plenty of water to produce a crop. They are labor intensive all summer long, and when they turn from yellow to brown and start to wrinkle they are ready to harvest, even if it is 120 degrees in the shade.
Dates are the world’s oldest cultivated fruit, being grown for over 6000 years. Ancient cultures called the date palm “the tree of life” and they are still a critical food source for nomadic desert dwelling people around the world.
The Medjool is a dessert variety. Larger and sweeter than others, it is often called “the king of dates”. Moroccan royalty once claimed these dates as theirs alone, but today we can all enjoy them.
We were excited when Frank arrived with several cases of his Medjool dates for us. His magnificent Medjools are moist and mouthwatering. These are freshly picked, new crop dates, not dried fruit, and they are amazing. If you have only had the smaller Deglet Nour dates, these Medjools will surprise you. Succulent and creamy sweet, these are truly a September treat.
We like to savor them all on their own, or stuff them with cream cheese or blue cheese and walnuts. In the Coachella Valley date shakes are popular. Combine 1 cup milk, 1 cup pitted dates, and 2 cups vanilla ice cream. Yum!
Don’t let September slip by without trying the magnificent Medjool.
BUILD YOUR OWN MEAL BOXES
Choose and order meal items from our website to fill out your weekend menus. Order by 6 pm Monday for Thursday pick-up. Menu choices change weekly. Here’s a sample of the choices for September 14 pick-up:
- Mushroom Spinach Alfredo Veggie Lasagna
- Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
- Chicken Thighs with Apricot Ginger Teriyaki Sauce, Bell Peppers & Dried Apricots
- Veggie Enchiladas with Sweet Potatoes, Corn,Black Beans & Cheddar
- Pasta Salad with Chicken, Bacon, Spinach, Tomatoes, & Garlic Cream Sauce
- White Bean Spinach Parmesan Soup
- Bow Tie Pasta Chicken Caesar Salad
- Black Bean & Corn Salad