The Strange Fruit That’s Sweet When Bitten Lengthwise but Astringent When Bitten Crosswise: A Natural “Nemesis” of Can.cer and Diabetes

This fruit has recently gone viral on social media thanks to its unusual way of eating.

Fresh dates from Thailand have suddenly “painted markets gold” across Vietnam. In Hanoi, it’s easy to spot bunches of golden ripe dates hanging in front of fruit stalls or sold by street vendors. Prices range from 150,000 – 250,000 VND/kg ($6.2 – $10.3/kg), and in some cases as low as 110,000 VND/kg ($4.5/kg) for fallen or loose fruits.

What has sparked even more curiosity is the unique eating experience: many claim that when eating dates, “biting lengthwise tastes sweet, but biting crosswise is astringent.”

According to experts cited by Kinh tế & Đô thị, this phenomenon is due to the fruit’s fiber structure and resin content. When biting lengthwise, teeth mostly touch the sweet, flesh-rich area, highlighting its natural sugars. In contrast, biting crosswise brings contact with fibrous layers and tannin-rich resin surrounding the seed—causing the characteristic astringency, much like unripe persimmons or banana peel. This quirky contrast has made fresh dates a rare standout in the fruit world.

Dates – A Natural Enemy of Cancer and Diabetes

Dates are among the oldest cultivated fruits, originating in the Middle East. Today, they are widely grown in the Mediterranean, the U.S., Mexico, and even in parts of Vietnam such as Hue and Dong Thap.

What makes dates remarkable is their impressive nutritional profile. According to Healthline, 100 g of dried dates provides about 277 kcal, 75 g carbohydrates, 7 g fiber, 2 g protein, and a rich supply of minerals: potassium (15% DV), magnesium (13% DV), copper (40% DV), manganese (13% DV), iron (5% DV), and vitamin B6 (15% DV).

Thanks to their high fiber content, dates help slow down sugar absorption, preventing blood sugar spikes after meals. Combined with powerful antioxidants, dates can help stabilize blood sugar when consumed in moderation—making them particularly beneficial for people with diabetes.

Compared with other dried fruits such as figs or prunes, dates are much richer in antioxidants. The main antioxidants in dates include:

• Flavonoids: Reduce inflammation and lower the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and certain cancers.

• Carotenoids: Support heart and eye health.

• Phenolic acid: A strong anti-inflammatory agent that protects the heart and helps prevent cancer.

Animal studies have also found that beta D-glucan in dates has anti-tumor activity, while selenium in dates provides further cancer-preventive benefits.

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Conclusion

From the quirky debate about how to eat them, fresh dates have drawn major attention among Vietnamese food lovers. Yet beyond taste, what truly makes this fruit special is its extraordinary health value.

So, the next time you come across a golden bunch of fresh dates at the market, don’t just focus on whether it’s sweet or astringent—remember that each small fruit is also a nutrient powerhouse that helps protect your health.