The Life of a Medjool Date
More than 12 times every year the Bard Valley Medjool Date Growers scale the massive trees in their stately date gardens. Growing the Fruit of Kings is not for the faint of heart! See "The life of a Medjool Date" from pollination, to harvest, to packing and distribution! We'll take you thru every part of the process, and give you a sneak peek at the "Bard Valley Secrets" that insure you are truly buying "The World's Finest" Medjool dates.
Meticulous Date Garden care and state of the art sorting and packing makes the difference between Bard Valley Medjool Dates and all others.
Dethorning
January — February
Depending on the size of the date palm, approximately 800 to 1,600 thorns are taken off of each tree by using large curved knives.
Offshoots
The offshoots are taken off the mother palm and put into the nursery and then planted to create a new date garden.
Pollination
It is essential for each flower bunch to be pollinated evenly on both sides. To ensure even and complete absorption, the pollen is applied in February and March. One male palm can pollinate 48 to 50 female trees.
Thinning
April — May
Bunches are thinned allowing for room to grow and the proper ventilation.
Securing
Bunches are tied and secured firmly to the trees to prevent damage from wind and weight. It also allows for spacing and continued ventilation.
Ringing
In June and July, rings are placed in the center of the bunches to allow continued ventilation.
Bagging
Sacks are placed on the bunches and tied firmly to prevent birds from picking at the ripe fruit and to keep the dates from falling to the ground.
Harvesting
The dates are picked as they mature. Workers must go up into the towering trees multiple times over the harvest season, each time only picking the fruit that is tree ripe, and re-bagging the bunches to let them ripen further.
Sorting
Each date is carefully sorted and graded, first by hand, and then by machine to ensure quality.
Packing
Medjools are packed in a variety of sizes so you can choose what's right for you.
Distribution
Wholesome packed Medjools are distributed into markets around the world.
Enjoyment
Dates are a nutritious and delicious food! Check out our easy to prepare recipes on this site!