Desert Mountain Ranch was established in 2007. Our date orchard began the following year with about 40 medjool shoots. Over the following 3-4 years another 120 Medjool shoots were planted as well as a 100 Deglet Noor. Date trees take about 10 years to begin producing fruit, so this has been a long process to get to from shoots to fruit available to sell. Desert Mountain Ranch/Date farm is uniquely situated at the dividing line of the Sonoran and the Mojave Deserts. Our trees are watered using drip irrigation which saves on water usage. Our mineral rich water comes from the ground at 122 degrees and is fed into a cooling pond, which after cooling nourishes our trees creating the finest quality dates. Our trees are cared for and harvested by the owners with additional help during pruning and harvest.
On our ranch, we grow two varieties of dates: Deglet Noor also spelled Deglet Nour. Deglet Noor dates originated in Algeria and are often referred to as the "Queen of dates" Deglets are soft to the touch, translucent in color and have a honey like flavor. These delicious fresh dates are firmer than most varieties and are often used in baked goods! We also grow Medjools, also spelled Medjoul or Majhool. These are the largest of dates, producing large soft fruit (mostly eaten fresh) They are yellowish in color as they ripen and turn a dark brown and color when ready to harvest. Medjool dates have a caramel like flavor that melts in your mouth. Probably the most popular of all dates. Often referred to as the King of dates. Israel is currently the largest producer of Medjools with 60% of the world's market.
We've been growing dates in the beautiful Coachella Valley in Southern California for 14 years. We are proud to grow the food that feeds your families. Thank you for supporting this tradition.