DATE VARIETIES 217 



In its fresh state it is little esteemed. The fruit will 

 keep for a year without deteriorating. A shy bearer. 



The date is broadly oblong to oblong ovate, 

 usually regularly oblong but sometimes slightly 

 widest near the broad, obliquely flattened base, 

 thence tapering to the rounded or broadly pointed 

 apex. Size very large, the length being one and three- 

 quarters to two inches, breadth at widest point 

 seven-eighths to one inch. Surface almost smooth, 

 deep golden-brown in color, sometimes tinged with 

 maroon, and overspread with a thick, grayish-blue 

 bloom; marked with a few transverse russet scars 

 toward apex, by which the Arabs distinguish it from 

 similar varieties. Skin thin, tender, very slightly 

 wrinkled, or sometimes folded longitudinally and 

 transversely, but generally adhering to the flesh very 

 closely. Flesh soft and syrupy, three-sixteenths to 

 one-fourth inch in thickness, deep amber colored, 

 tinged with red near the skin; the fibrous lining of the 

 seed cavity rather thick and tough. Seed broadly 

 oblong to oblong-obovate, rounded at base and 

 bluntly rounded at apex, one inch long, three-eighths 

 inch broad, smooth, grayish brown in color, ventral 

 channel open but shallow, germ pore slightly nearer 

 apex than base. Flavor moderately rich, sweet but 

 not cloying. 



Two palms in Coachella Valley, brought from 

 Busreh eight years ago, are bearing for the first time 

 this year. The labels are confused but there is reason 

 to believe that they are 'Awaydi. 



Azmashi, a rare but much esteemed soft date 

 of the Algerian Ziban, which is never seen on the 

 market, but which many Arabs declare is preferable 



