QUALITY OF DATES: INFLUENCING FACTORS AND ASSESSMENT METHODS

Date palm is a major fruit crop that is grown in many countries, particularly in western Asia and Africa. Recent decades witnessed a surge in date production and cultivation areas in these regions. However, fruit quality of the palm, which is normally considered as inversely correlated with gross production, has not been adequately assessed for all date producing regions. Similarly, recent advances in the determination and assessment methods of date fruit quality have received little attention. This paper discusses the pre- and postharvest factors that influence date fruit quality and the determination methods. A holistic review of the factors that affect fruit quality is essential for enhancing marketability and consumption of dates throughout the world.