Dates are sweet, chewy fruits that come from the date palm tree. They are native to the Middle East and North Africa, and are grown in many other warm regions around the world. Dates are oval or cylindrical in shape, and can be yellow, orange, or brown when ripe. They have a thick, edible skin and a soft, sweet flesh that contains one or two seeds. Dates are a good source of fiber, potassium, and other essential vitamins and minerals. They can be eaten fresh or dried, and are often used as a natural sweetener in recipes. Dates are commonly used in baking, as well as in savory dishes and as a topping for cereals and other foods. They can also be chopped and added to salads or used to make date paste or date syrup.