Dates grow on trees. Great big trees called "date palms," actually. They're native to the Middle East and have been a part of the region's cuisine for thousands of years(!!!). Dates grow in large clusters, kind of like bunches of grapes, which hang higher than fifty feet off the ground.

What are dates before they are dried?

Dates growing on a date palm. Before they're dried, dates are typically plump, shiny, ovoid fruits that grow in bunches from date trees. They can be either dark purple or bright red and contain a large central pit with pointed ends. This is usually removed before the fruit is dried, serving two purposes.

What is the source of dates?

Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree, which is grown in many tropical regions of the world. Dates have become quite popular in recent years. Almost all dates sold in Western countries are dried.