Basic Introduction to Xingtang Jumbo Dates
Xingtang County is located in the Taihang Mountain area of Hebei Province. It has been named by the State Forestry Administration as “China's Xingtang Jumbo Dates Hometown” and “China's Xingtang Premium Jumbo Dates Industrial Base.” As the saying goes, a handful of dates a day keeps you young and healthy. Eat a handful of dates a day, and you'll walk with a spring in your step.
Nutritional Value
Jumbo dates are extremely nutritious. Fresh dates contain 20%–36% sugar, while dried dates have 55%–80%, making them calorically dense enough to serve as a substitute for grains, historically used during famines. Vitamin C content ranks among the highest among fruits, with 0.1–0.6 grams per 100 grams, which is about 100 times more than apples or peaches. The content of Vitamin P is also the highest among fruits, earning jumbo dates the praise as “natural vitamin pills.” Per 100 grams of fresh dates, there is 1.2 grams of protein, almost the highest among fresh fruits. Dried dates generate an extremely high amount of heat, producing approximately 1200–1300 kilojoules per 100 grams, similar to raisins, and also have higher contents of protein, calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin, and niacin compared to raisins. Therefore, people have always considered jumbo dates to be an excellent tonic.
Product Characteristics
Xingtang jumbo dates are known for their size, thin skin, thick flesh, small seeds, bright color, and sweetness. During the crisp ripening stage, the Vitamin C content reaches up to 600mg/100g, earning them the title of “natural vitamin pill” alongside Fuping jumbo dates.
History and Folklore
The cultivation of Xingtang jumbo dates has a long history dating back over 3,000 years. There are mainly twelve varieties, including Dunzi dates, long dates, Po dates, and Yucheng crisp dates. The planting area has reached 600,000 mu (approx. 400 square kilometers), with an annual output of 70 million pounds and an annual value of 120 million yuan. It has developed into one of Xingtang's major advantageous industries, serving as a significant economic source for the local population.
Preparation Method for Xingtang Jumbo Dates
Date and Astragalus Beauty Soup
Ingredients
2 pieces of Astragalus, 5 jumbo dates, 6 slices of licorice, 2 pieces of apricot kernel, 1 piece of tangerine peel, honey to taste
Instructions
(1) Soak the jumbo dates until soft and remove the pits.
(2) Pour 600 cc of water into a pot, add all the ingredients except for honey. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 15 minutes and turn off the heat.
(3) Adjust to taste with honey as desired.
Awards and Honors
Jumbo dates produced in Xingtang County have won gold medals at the Shenzhen Pengcheng Cup, the Kunming World Expo, the Laoling National Jumbo Date Trade Fair, and the Xi'an First Jumbo Date Evaluation Conference.