October is National California Date Month

Honoring California's harvest, farmers, and inspiring health, wellness & culinary creativity

PALM DESERT, Calif., Oct. 1, 2025 /CNW/ - The California Date Commission is proud to announce the return of National California Date Month this October, spotlighting the rich heritage of California's family farmers and farmworkers, and the exceptional taste, versatility, and health benefits that make California Dates one of nature's original superfruits. "California Dates are more than a delicious treat—they reflect the dedication of local farmers and spark creativity in kitchens nationwide," said Kristy Kneiding, Manager of the California Date Commission.  

California's Coachella Valley — where nearly 85% of U.S. dates are grown — will serve as the campaign's epicenter. National promotions will extend coast to coast, inspiring chefs, health and wellness professionals, and food lovers to discover how California Dates can support healthier lifestyles and elevate culinary creations.

October 2025 Highlights:

• Tag the Perfect DATE Giveaway (Oct 1–31):
  California Date lovers are invited to celebrate by joining our national Instagram giveaway. Follow @datesaregreat, Like the official contest post (October 1), and tag your "Perfect DATE" — a friend who loves California Dates too. If your friend follows @datesaregreat too, you'll both get a chance to win gourmet California Dates and a $100 gift card. Full contest details, rules, terms & conditions can be found here.
• Restaurant & Bar Promotion:
  During National California Date Month, restaurants and bars nationwide are invited to showcase creative California Date-inspired dishes, desserts, or cocktails on social media, tagging @datesaregreat for a chance to win a $250 specialty kitchen gift card. This promotion highlights inventive menu offerings and encourages diners to discover California Dates. Full contest details, rules, terms & conditions are available here.
• California Date Month Forum –From Health & Wellness to Culinary Artistry
  Live Event: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | Coachella, CA | Video available post-event at CaliforniaDates.com
  This dynamic live event will showcase how California Dates bridge nutrition, wellness, and creative cuisine in contemporary food culture.

Featured Speakers:

Dr. Sonali Ruder, DO, CCMS (The Foodie Physician)–Board-certified emergency medicine physician, certified culinary medicine specialist, and classically trained chef. Combining medical expertise with culinary creativity, Dr. Ruder will highlight how California Dates can nourish everyday health while satisfying your love for tasty, craveable food. She'll explore their nutrient-rich profile, powerful health and wellness benefits, role as a natural energy source, and how they offer a healthy alternative to refined sugars and artificial sweeteners—making them a smart food choice.

Chef Jamie Gwen (chefjamie.com)— A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America and Le Cordon Bleu, Chef Jamie is a renowned celebrity chef, certified sommelier, syndicated radio host, culinary journalist, and seven-time cookbook author. Celebrated for her inventive approach to sweet and savory cuisine, Chef Jamie will share her passion for creative cooking with this nutrient-rich fruit, discussing the remarkable versatility of California Dates—from enjoying them fresh, to making syrups, pastes, and sauces, to using them in salads, sweet and savory mains and sides, and delicious desserts. 

A video of the event will be available at CaliforniaDates.com following the live program.

About National California Date Month

Founded to honor family farmers and farmworkers, National California Date Month spotlights California Dates as a nutrient-dense, diabetes-friendly, and sustainable fruit grown in the Coachella Valley. With fiber, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants, dates are a smart choice for modern lifestyles.

Get Involved:
Find recipes, contest and event info, and California Date inspiration at CaliforniaDates.com.
Follow @datesaregreat for updates.

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SOURCE California Date Commission