Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a subspecies of the genus Phoenix from the Arecaceae (Palmaceae) family. It is one of the oldest fruit crops that is associated with the civilization of many countries. It is indigenous to the countries around the Persian Gulf. It has been cultivated for several millennia in the Middle East and North Africa. From there, the date palm spread to other areas with a suitable climate (hot and arid or semi-arid) with sufficient water in the form of groundwater or irrigation. The date palm was introduced to the Western Hemisphere much later and there is a limited area of cultivation there. The date palm is a unique monocot with characteristic anatomical features and adaptations to the environment. For the successful cultivation of dates, procedures such as pruning old branches, hand pollination and fruit manipulation are required. Postharvest handling may involve dehydration or hydration depending on the moisture content of the fruit during harvest. The fruit contains a high caloric value (3150 kcal/kg of fresh fruit), 60-65% sugar, a fair amount of fiber (2,5%), protein (2%), fat (2%) and minerals up to 2,0%. Date palm leaves are also used to make temporary huts and make baskets, brooms, ropes and handicrafts. The seed of the fruit is used in the production of feed for livestock. Since it is drought stress and salinity stress tolerant, it is a potential fruit tree for arid areas.