Dates

The date, scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera, is a long, fleshy, and edible fruit. The date is therefore the fruit of the date palm, native to North Africa, which can grow up to 30 m tall! The date palm lives according to a simple adage which states feet in the water and head in the sun. It is true that it is one of the rare plants able to survive in the desert. The date is known for its energy content, but also for its calorie content, since one kilo of dates provides roughly 3,000 calories!

The date, a fruit rich in nutrients

The date is one of the most nutrient-rich fruits. The main property of the date is that it essentially contains only carbohydrates and fiber. The date also contains many micro-nutrients: B vitamins (B1, B2, B6), a little vitamin C, and also trace elements such as zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and copper. This is why dates fit easily into athletes’ diets. Dates are also rich in antioxidants and are a good ally in fighting free radicals. Dates display beautiful amber colors and give off very sweet aromas.

The date and its use in perfumery

Like most fruits, the date is used in perfumery and belongs to the Fruity olfactory family. The date is nevertheless little used in niche perfumery, and when it is included in a composition, it is generally an oriental composition, perhaps because of its origin and its echo of warm, spicy scents. The date can thus be found in Oud Fleur by Tom Ford, a spicy oriental where date sits as a heart note alongside osmanthus, davana, cinnamon, and rose. Another spicy oriental containing date is Aziyadé by Parfum d’Empire. Here, date is positioned as a top note accompanied by orange, candied fruit, and pomegranate. Date can also be found in another woody oriental fragrance, blacksoul by Ted Lapidus. Here, date sits as a heart note accompanied by oriental notes such as saffron, cinnamon, and grape.

While the date is highly prized for its nutritional value and sweet taste, it is now finding its way into our perfume bottles. There, it offers its distinctive, fleshy, and sweet taste. Still little used, the date is nevertheless part of great perfumes, mainly alongside oriental notes, which is ultimately where its origins lie.