The secret of the fruit that is sweet when bitten lengthwise, but sour when bitten crosswise

Dates are a fruit that originated in the Middle East and can be grown in regions such as the Mediterranean, Asia, America, and Mexico.

Dates grow in large clusters at the top of the tree and have a refreshing, sweet taste. When ripe, the date fruit's skin gradually turns brown and becomes more wrinkled when exposed to moisture.

While dried dates have long been familiar to Vietnamese consumers, fresh dates are rare and usually only appear seasonally, imported directly from countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

What makes this fruit a hot topic of discussion in the market is its unique way of eating it: sweet when bitten lengthwise, and astringent when bitten crosswise.

Besides its unique flavor, dates offer consumers many health benefits thanks to their abundance of natural nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

1. Why is there a difference in taste when bitten lengthwise versus bite-crossed?

The explanation for the difference in flavor when biting a fresh date lengthwise versus crosswise is a fascinating story revolving around the unique structure of this fruit.

According to experts, the phenomenon of "sweet when bitten lengthwise, bitter when bitten crosswise" is not due to differences in chemical composition but rather to how the fiber structure and natural resin inside the fruit react when they come into contact with the taste buds.

Specifically, when biting along the length of the fruit—that is, along the grain of the flesh—the eater will mainly feel the soft flesh containing a large amount of natural sugar. This is where the sweetness is concentrated, providing a mild, pleasant flavor, creating a refreshing and appealing sensation. Conversely, if bitten horizontally, the teeth will not only penetrate the flesh but also reach the fibrous layer and the sap near the seed inside. This sap contains tannin, a familiar compound often found in persimmons or banana peels, causing a slightly astringent, even astringent, sensation on the tongue when eaten.

The uneven distribution of structural components within a fresh date creates this multi-dimensional flavor experience. This unique characteristic adds to its appeal, making fresh dates a beloved fruit for their unexpected distinctiveness. In the world of fruits, few possess such a fascinating "flavor secret."

2. Health benefits of dates

Besides its unique flavor, dates also contain a rich amount of nutrients, contributing to many significant health benefits.

Below is a detailed analysis of the notable benefits of this fruit that you may not know about:

Provides fiber, effectively improving digestion.

Dates contain a rich amount of natural fiber, with about 7g of fiber per 100g, which strongly supports digestive health. This fiber not only prevents constipation but also helps stimulate intestinal motility, improving excretion efficiency.

According to the latest research, regularly adding 7 dates to a daily diet for 21 days has shown a significant improvement in bowel movement frequency in people with constipation. This demonstrates that dates can be an ideal nutritional choice for improving digestive health.

A powerful source of antioxidants

Another important benefit of dates is their high content of antioxidants, which help the body fight many diseases and reduce the risk of inflammation. Three main types of antioxidants stand out in dates: flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids.

These compounds not only help reduce inflammation but also promote heart health and prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's and other neurological disorders. This is evidence of the disease-reducing effects of dates.

Supports brain development

Besides being good for overall health, dates are also known for their positive impact on brain function. Thanks to their high content of flavonoids and antioxidants, dates help reduce signs of inflammation in the brain and inhibit amyloid beta protein – a factor in the formation of plaques associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Furthermore, they have the potential to improve memory, enhance learning ability, and protect brain function in the long term.

Promoting natural labor

For pregnant women, the benefits of dates are particularly evident in supporting natural labor. Especially in the final weeks of pregnancy, date supplementation has been shown to increase cervical dilation, reduce the need for labor-assisting measures, and shorten the duration of childbirth. Compounds in dates bind to oxytocin receptors or mimic the effects of oxytocin—a hormone that plays a crucial role in the labor process.

Choosing the ideal natural sweetener

Dates contain fructose – a natural sugar that provides a mild, delicious sweetness similar to caramel. Because of this distinctive flavor, many people use dates as a perfect substitute for white sugar in cooking.

Besides their natural sweetness, dates also provide a good source of nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants. However, it's important to avoid excessive consumption of dates to prevent negative impacts on blood sugar levels and nutritional balance.

3. When is the best time to eat dates?

Dates offer numerous health benefits, but to reap them effectively, it's crucial to consume them correctly and in the right amounts. Here are some ideal times to include this nutritious food in your diet:

Eat it for breakfast.

Starting your day with dates will make your breakfast more enjoyable. Additionally, thanks to their high fiber content, eating dates in the morning helps you feel full longer, which is good for your digestive system.

Eat as an afternoon snack.

In the afternoon, dates are the perfect snack. They provide instant energy thanks to their fiber and natural sugars, helping to keep you alert and reduce feelings of fatigue.

Eat when you feel hungry.

When you're hungry, a few dates can help you quickly regain energy and feel full for longer. For added nutrition, you can combine dates with peanut butter to increase your fiber, protein, and carbohydrate intake.

Eat before your workout.

Before a workout, consuming dates will provide the body with a source of slow-release carbohydrates, offering a stable energy boost and supporting more effective athletic performance.