The date is a fruit obtained from the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera). It is believed that appeared around the Persian Gulf and cultivated, probably more than 4000 years ago, in Mesopotamia as in prehistoric Egypt.

Later on, traders extended their culture around the South and Southeast Asia, North Africa, Spain and Italy. Dates were introduced by the Spanish in 1765 in Mexico and California.

The word "date" comes from the Greek dáktulos "finger" due to its elongated shape. Dates are cylindrical-oval shaped, 3-7 cm. long and 2 to 3 cm. in diameter, and when they are not yet ripe, its color ranges from bright red and bright yellow, depending on the variety.