Date (fruit)

Angou dates, one of many kinds, from Tunisia

A date is a fruit of the prune family that grows on palm trees. It is indigenous to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions and enjoys a hot, dry climate. The tree naturally fruits twice a year, though with artificial pollination it can bear fruit year round. The fruit are not picked until they have shrivelled, browned, and sweetened from their plump, green, sour form.