California Dates Marks National Month with Times Square Display and Recipe Contest
The California Date Commission is celebrating National California Date Month throughout October with a prominent Times Square billboard and a nationwide "Build a Better Bite" recipe contest.
The California Date Commission has launched National California Date Month, observed throughout October, featuring a large digital billboard in New York's Times Square and a nationwide "Build a Better Bite" consumer contest.
The campaign highlights the origin and natural sweetness of dates grown in California, particularly in the Coachella Valley region. Approximately 85% of U.S. date production comes from Southern California. These dates are the only naturally dry fresh fruit in the United States and are delivered without added sugar or artificial processing.
The initiative emphasizes the nutrient density and culinary versatility of dates, addressing changing dietary habits and smaller portion sizes. Dates provide fiber, B vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The commission is introducing the "Power Date Bite" concept, combining dates with proteins and healthy fats for small, nutritious snacks.
The "Build a Better Bite" contest invites home cooks and food enthusiasts to create sweet and savory date-based recipes. Contest details are available online. Additionally, the commission is offering a free digital recipe book featuring diabetes-friendly dishes and snacks that leverage the natural sweetness and nutritional value of dates.