Shields Date Garden

One of the best kept secrets in the Coachella Valley is the heritage of farming, including the date palms growing in the valley since the end of the 19th century. Looking for crops to bring back to the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture sent botanists to the Middle East and North Africa, determining the desert climate would be suitable for growing dates. 

Owners of internationally famous Shields Date Garden (founded in 1924 by Floyd and Bess Shields) since 2000, Heather and Greg Raumin’s agricultural roots go back generations in North Dakota, primarily farming wheat and potatoes. Buying their first date farm in 1984, they moved to the Coachella Valley in 1986 and became devoted to this region.

“What enticed Greg to get back into farming was the organic farming practices of the first company we bought to get our foot in the door,” says Heather. “Farmers here are conscientious. We use driplines. We want to continue growing the produce people have come to know and love and depend on.

“Farms are disappearing and we hope this community will continue to support those of us who are so devoted to staying,” continues Heather. “Take the palmeros, for example. These are the men and women who climb our date palms, seven times per tree each year. They are craftsmen and artists — skilled and passionate. Growing dates is incredibly labor-intensive work. They have a unique understanding of what the trees are saying to them — when to collect the pollen, when to thin the trees, when it is time for the first harvest or the second harvest, and so on. The skills of the palmeros are often handed down in families from generation to generation. The palmeros who work for us are like family.” 

The palmeros and the farmers who manage the valley’s date farms produce 95 percent of the dates grown in the United States. According to Heather, approximately 70 percent of the dates grown in the valley are Deglet Noor, 20 percent are Medjool, and the other ten percent are referred to as the exotics. Depending on the season, Shields produces about 15 different varieties of dates, including Mr. Shield’s own varieties, called the Blonde and Brunette dates. 

And if you think you don’t like dates, you’ll likely change your mind after eating a Blonde date, a semi-dry, medium-sweet date, with a honey-caramel flavor. Great for snacking alone, or paired with walnuts or almonds, the Blonde is delicious without being too sweet or too soft.

Fuel for athletes
Looking for quick energy while walking, hiking, biking or training for your next triathlon? Dates are a great source of carbohydrates, fiber, potassium and B vitamins. Choose a date that is slightly dryer, like the Deglet Noor, Blonde, Thoory (bread dates) or Zahidi. 
Eisenhower physical therapist and elite triathlete, William (Bill) Carlson, DPT, who also has Type 1 diabetes, calls dates his secret weapon. He and his wife Suzanne harvest dates from their own trees — which produce Deglet Noor, Barhi and Medjool dates.

“You get a quick hit on the date’s glucose, but because of the fiber, it’s more slowly digested,” says Carlson. “I’ll eat about six Deglet dates when I’m accessing them for an energy source which gives me about 20 grams of carbohydrate and that will hold me for a good half hour or more, depending on where I am on my training ride or race. They’re tasty and long-lasting. It’s a carbohydrate that keeps feeding you.”

Storing dates
Dates may be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to one year and in the freezer for up to five years. Revitalize dry dates by putting an apple slice or piece of bread in the container overnight. Or soak the dates in a little warm water. 

Baking
Dates are a wonderful way to naturally sweeten baked goods. Fresh dates may be used or consider Shields Date Crystals®, dried dates in the shape of small flakes which may be reconstituted with water or other baking liquid. Date Crystals may also be used to make date shakes. Date sugar is another option for baking or cooking. 

The Café at Shields
Located on the expansive grounds of Shields Date Garden, the Café at Shields offers a varied California Cuisine style menu, including gluten-free and vegetarian options, selections using dates, fresh-squeezed juices and designated pet-friendly areas. The large patio area is shaded by colorful umbrellas with a view of the garden and distant mountains. 

The Café at Shields
Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
760.775.0902
cafe@shieldsdategarden.com