Biggest date fruits in the world to be unveiled at President Peres's succa

The "Avraham" date variety was planted in Israel seven years ago and is being harvested for the first time this year.

By SHARON UDASIN
dates date fruit370 (photo credit: Tziyon Deko, Courtesy)
dates date fruit370
(photo credit: Tziyon Deko, Courtesy)
The biggest date in the world – grown in Israel – will have a prominent presence in this year’s “open succa” at the residence of President Shimon Peres.
The date, of the “Avraham” species, today grows to a length of 8 centimeters, and is expected to reach 10 centimeters in the future, the Agriculture Ministry said. In comparison, the Medjoul date common to Israel and its neighbors typically reaches a length of 6 to 7 centimeters.
The Avraham dates to be presented in the succa on Tuesday were cultivated at the Eden Research and Development farm in Emek Hamayanot. Planted seven years ago in Israel, the Avraham date fruit was only harvested for the first time this year, the ministry said.
Today at the Eden farm, there are 10 Avraham date trees. At the site, ministry experts guide the farmers on date cultivation, in a research effort funded by the ministry.
A sweet and healthy fruit, dates also grow in plentiful quantities in other countries, but the largest types grow in the Jewish state, the ministry said.
The succa at the President’s Residence will be open to the public on Tuesday.