The markets in the minority community dominated areas of Jajpur district show a rise in sale of dates as a large number of Muslims take dates to break day-long fast during the holy Ramadan month.
Dates are associated with Ramadan and Muslims around world partake in the tradition of ending their daily fast during this holy month by eating dates. Shopkeepers say that sales of dates jump by as much as 70 to 80 per cent in the holy month.
“As the holy month of Ramadan has started the demand of dates is on its peak. Dates contain multiple types of sugars, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Due to these qualities, dates are used to break fasts during
the holy month of Ramadan all across the Muslim world. To chew texture of dates is a delightful experience. It is flexible and delectable with sweet taste. Therefore, many Muslims use good quality fresh dates daily to get various nutritional requirements of men, women and children of all ages,” said Sk Husen a date businessman of Jajpur.
“Prices of dates are on the rise in the Ramadan month. Jajpur’s dates market offers about 20 varieties, the most popular of which is Anbara, which is also the most expensive. Prices of date per kilo start from Rs 400 to Rs 5,000.
Health benefits of dates are uncountable, as this fruit is affluent in natural fibers and is best nourishment for muscles development. People consume dates in several ways, like mixing the dates paste with milk, yoghurt or with bread or butter to make the food tasty and healthy. This paste is beneficial for both adults and children, especially during the time of recovery,” said Dr Manzoor Alli of Jajpur.
Dates are taken as an ideal food which easily balance and digest other foods. It gives extra energy to a tired human body within half an hour after taking it.
Dates are being utilised for multiple purposes in different parts of the world. It holds a strong position in the list of most delightful fruits due to its sweet taste and texture. It is taken as a nourishing food for gaining recovery and strength. It has a very important medicinal value as well.
“We purchase imported dates from Kolkata markets. Middle East countries are the main date suppliers. Ramadan month is the best period for us to sell dates to the Muslims who observe fast,” said Karamat Khan, a businessman of Balichandrapur.