DATE VARIETIES 289 



Fruit one and one-half inch long, about one- 

 half as wide, broadest near middle, and rounded at 

 both ends. Color very dark brown or black. Skin 

 thick but tender, adhering closely to very dark brown 

 or almost black flesh one-fourth inch thick, soft and 

 melting unless the fruit has been thoroughly cured, 

 when it becomes firm but usually slightly sticky. 

 Seed seven-eighths inch long, one-fourth wide, slender 

 and of almost uniform width; hazel in color with 

 areas of chestnut. Ventral channel open and deep, 

 germ pore nearer apex than base. Flavor agreeably 

 sweet and slightly nutty, mild and not cloying. 



The date of this name described by Kearney in 

 Tunisia seems slightly different. The Tanasin palm 

 at Tempe, Arizona, is from the Oued Righ of Algeria, 

 where I also obtained my specimens. It matures in 

 midseason and is particularly prized because of the 

 evenness with which all berries on the cluster ripen at 

 one time. In native commerce it is usually sold 

 pressed into skins, and a mixture of Tanasin, 

 Tantabusht, and Deglet Nur, jammed together in 

 this manner, is said to be the nomad's idea of the 

 extreme of high living. 



Tantabusht, Tantaboucht, Tantaboosht, an 

 Algerian and Tunisian variety of remarkable appear- 

 ance — nearly round, and almost black in color. It is 

 soft, and does not keep its shape well unless thoroughly 

 cured. It is highly prized by the natives, who say 

 that before it is fully ripe it has the flavor of a good 

 baked potato. It plays an important part in the 

 caravan trade of the Sahara, where it is cheap. 



Fruit nearly spherical, one to one and one-half 

 inch in greatest diameter, base flattened or slightly 



