A Popular Christmas Snack

Especially during Christmas, demand for dates skyrockets in Europe and the states. But even though over 350 varieties are grown in Tunisia only a handful are ever exported. That's frustrating because if you've only had a date in a 'Fig Newton' cookie than you probably don't like them. Tasting a fresh date in Tunisia will change that.

Dates are used to make fragrant stews, curries and sauces. Every Sunday the markets of Tunis are crowded with stalls of dried, smoked and ripened dates. Dates here are much sweeter than in the states and travel well. Both my journalist cohorts will be packing pounds home in their suitcases.

We spent several hours in the markets today taking pictures of all the fresh fruit. What a treat!