13 February 2005	Sunday	03 Muharram 1426

LAHORE, Feb 12: A team of scientists of Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) has developed 'date syrup' which could be used as a light, nourishing drink.

PCSIR chairman Dr Anwarul Haq said on Saturday Pakistan was the fifth largest date producing country of the world and during its glut season, huge produce wasted due to non-availability of proper means of utilization or preservation.

"There is a need of developing some value added products from dates so as to save this valuable source of energy from going waste."

He said scientists of Peshawar Laboratories Complex developed date syrup which was processed to make "final volume" of the date drink.

Dr Haq said dates were one of the most palatable food commodity and excellent food for human consumption. It carried best nutritive values - 75 per cent carbohydrates, 2.5 per cent fats, 1.9 per cent proteins and 1.2 per cent salts.

"It is a good source of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, pro-vitamin A, vitamin B complex, niacin and vitamin C. One kilogram fresh dates supply 25,000 to 30,000 calories of energy," he said.-APP