Muslims around the world prefer to eat dates during Iftar in Ramadan. They always take odd numbers of dates according to Sunnah. It can be eaten with Arabic coffee or soaked in milk like Egyptian used to do by Egyptian Dates. Dates are very important to the Egyptian; they buy large quantities before Ramadan, especially from Al-sahel dates market.
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dates in milk called khoshaf[/caption]
Hatem Salah, a wholesaler in Al-Oubor market said, “I worked here for more than 30 years at this "Al-sahel" market district before it was transferred to Al-Oubor.”
"Although there are many markets in Tanta, Mansoura and Zagazig, Al-sahel is one of the marketplaces that attract many citizens all over the country," the wholesaler added.
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Al-sahel dates market[/caption]
According to Salah, dates’ cultivation in Egypt was not widely spread and many of Egyptian dates have its origin to Sudan and Africa as a result of floods. However, the types of dates are now selected and categorized before planting.
Egypt is famous of planting dried dates and has various types of most preferred dates. He confirmed that the quality of Egyptian New Valley dates top the list followed by Iraqi and Siwa dates.
Salah said that the dried dates that come from Upper Egypt especially Qena and High Dam have great value in the body, adding that the soft dates are planted in Siwa, and the Egyptian Oasis like Al-Dakhla, Al-Kharga and Al-Frafra.
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mo' salah Dates[/caption]
He also added that the traders gave dates different names to attract customers. The names include like Nancy Ajram, 25 January and Suez Canal dates. He said, “20 years ago, we named some as 'Lyla Elwi’s eyes' date in order to attract buyers obsessed with celebrities and political events as a kind of propaganda.”
Usually, customers are tricked by these strange names and forget to choose the best date. They usually categorise dates with its shape and weight.
Contributed by Menna Seliem
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