276 DATEGROWING 



by worms; as these are never found in dates until 

 they have been stored for some months, the pilgrims 

 promptly decided that the dates which they had 

 been buying were by no means fresh from the tree, 

 as represented, and they drove the shrewd Omani 

 out of business. 



The Farfara Fardh was introduced to the United 

 States only in the present year. 



Qush Hasas, The Indigestible (lit., rumblings of 

 the belly), a small, yellow, dry date of Oman, much 

 esteemed by the Arabs in spite of its name. Has not 

 yet fruited in the United States. A fairly common 

 variety which bears well; rarely eaten fresh, as 

 it is inferior in that stage. Ripens in September, 

 concurrently with Khanayzi and Khalaseh. 



Qush Shahm, Sheham, The Pulpy (the word 

 originally means fat meat, but is also regularly used 

 for the flesh of a fruit). An early soft date from 

 Oman, brought to the United States only this year. 

 It is of medium size, long in proportion to its breadth, 

 yellow when fresh but later turns dark brown. The 

 yield is fairly heavy; it ripens in June, when it is 

 particularly valued as rutab; but it also cures and 

 keeps well. It is highly esteemed by the Arabs. 



Qush Zabad, The Butter Date, a small variety 

 from Oman, and one of the best soft dates of that 

 region. Ripens in mid-September and is said to bear 

 very heavily. Good when fresh, but usually cured, 

 when it keeps easily for a year. The variety is 

 fairly common in its home; has not yet fruited in 

 America. 



