The California Date Commission says it has named October the inaugural National California Date Month, to celebrating the "delectable, nutritious and oh-so-versatile California dates," as well as honor farmworkers who bring these sweet treats from palm trees to plates throughout the U.S. and the world.
“Dates are more than just a fruit; they are a symbol of the hard work and resilience of our agricultural communities," Gordon Chuchian, chairman of the California Date Commission, said in a news release. "This month-long celebration is a tribute to the dedication of our farm workers and the enduring legacy of date farming in California."
Throughout October, all aspects of California Dates, from their nutritional value and delicious recipes to their contribution to California’s agricultural richness and heritage will be celebrated with a variety of activities, the release said.
Why Celebrate Dates?
- Taste and quality, packed with natural sweetness.
- Full of nutrients.
- Incredibly versatile in the kitchen.
- Rich heritage with farming skills passed down through generations.
The commission said California's date industry is a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural landscape, producing over 85% of the dates grown in the U.S. California’s unique climate and rich soil make it the ideal place to grow superior dates renowned for their quality, taste and nutritional benefits, the release said.
Starting Sept. 10 and continuing through the end of October, the California Date Commission will hold a national consumer contest. Prizes include:
- Boxes of California dates with $100 grocery gift cards.
- A private online cooking class for contest winners hosted by California dates ambassador and celebrity chef Aarti Sequeira.
- A California dates VIP Experience at the Palm Desert Food and Wine Festival (March 2025). The prize package includes a three-night stay at an area hotel, tickets to the Celebrity Chef Farm Tour and Luncheon, tickets to the Saturday Grand tasting event and a California dates swag bag.
Leading up to and throughout October, there will be several events and promotions to help people discover the wonders of California dates, the release said, including:
- Culinary experiences — Restaurants and bars throughout the Greater Palm Springs area will feature date-inspired menus all month. From sweet and savory main dishes, sides and desserts to creative date cocktails and the famous California Date Shakes, California dates will be showcased in innovative and delicious ways, allowing patrons to experience the diverse culinary potential of this versatile fruit.
- Virtual spotlights — Chefs, mixologists and nutritionists will be featured online, providing valuable insights to viewers, no matter where they are located.
- Breakfast with champions — A special event will honor the farm workers whose labor and dedication are the backbone of the date industry. Their contributions will be celebrated, acknowledging the vital role they play in bringing this nutritious fruit from farm to tables around the country.
Historical Significance
Dates have been cultivated in California since the early 1900s when farmers began planting date palms in the Coachella Valley. Over the years, the industry has grown and evolved, and plays a vital role in the state's economy, supporting thousands of jobs, from farm workers to distribution and retail, the release said.