A Love Affair With Dates, The Fruit At The Cultural Heart Of Oman
In this country at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula, the nutrition-packed palm-tree treat is essential to tradition, sustenance and the economy — and has been for hundreds of years.
Stone steps winding down a narrow lane lead to Misfah Old House, a small inn located in the mountainous village of Misfat Al Abryeen, Oman. To welcome his guests, Haitham Al-Abri offers sweet, sticky dates and a tiny cup of cardamom-scented coffee.
At Misfah, as in all Omani homes, dates are intrinsic to the culture of this Arabian Peninsula country. They are a sign of hospitality, served both in greeting and after every meal.
"Dates and coffee are served at all events — whether that be a funeral or a wedding or just a family meeting," Al-Abri says. "They are something essential."
Dates are a popular food across the Middle East, but in Oman they
