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Deglet Noor In Arabic means Date of Light. Originated in the 17th century near Touggourt in the Algerian Sahara. It was recognized as a superior date and established in many oases in Algeria and southern Tunisia by the end of the 17th century. During French colonial development the Deglet Noor became well known in the markets of Europe. This variety was introduced into the U.S. by Swingle in 1900 with the first offshoots being planted near Tempe, Arizona in cooperation with the Arizona Agriculture Experiment Station. Four years later, a few of the young palms were transplanted to the new experiment station at Mecca in the lower Coachella Valley. This palm did not ripen the fruit properly in Arizona and is no longer planted. The fruit of this tree at the khalal stage (when it reaches maximum size and characteristic identifying color) is carnelian red or coral red, sometimes apricot orange or rufous. At the rutab stage (the period from the time the fruit begins to soften at the tip until it is cured) it is amber brown or Sudan brown, while the dry fruit is light brown or straw colored. At the tamar stage (fully cured or dried and not subject to fermenting or souring) it is a slightly deeper color. The fruit is 40 to 50 millimeters long by 20 to 25 millimeters in diameter, the skin is medium thick, adhering to the flesh and forming rather coarse wrinkles and folds in curing, the flesh 4 to 5 mm thick, firm, soft, amber except for paler inner zone, the flavor is excellent and distinctive, and the seed is 23 to 30 mm long and 7 to 9mm in diameter. The fruit is of firm texture and holds its shape better in packing than most other varieties.
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