The date palm - Oman’s tree of life
The consumption of only fifteen dates satisfies the daily requirements for essential vitamins, minerals and other trace elements for an adult person. Thanks to dates and dried lemons Omani seamen were protected from the scourge of western sailors, scurvy, which was endemic due to vitamin deficiency.
Following an age-old tradition many Omanis still plant the shoot of a date palm to commemorate the birth of a son. The child’s personal tree grows alongside him, providing many of life’s necessities. The lifespan of a date palm is about that of a man and having a personal tree is a guarantee against starvation. It serves as a form of traditional life insurance.
The consumption of only fifteen dates satisfies the daily requirements for essential vitamins, minerals and other trace elements of an adult person. Stored in clay vessels dates keep for several years. They constituted the most important part of the diet of those Omanis who were travelling in inhospitable regions, in deserts and on the oceans. Thanks to dates and dried lemons Omani seamen were protected from the scourge of western sailors, scurvy, which was endemic due to vitamin deficiency.
Georg Popp
What makes this travel guide so special? This book is a product of the long-term personal friendship between the authors, Mr Georg Popp and Mr Juma Al-Maskari and their continuing fascination with the Sultanate of Oman. Combining their insights from European and Omani perspectives, they have produced a guide which is as much about culture and history as it is a practical guide for planning your itinerary.
