Since pharaonic times, Siwa has been home to a stunning array of green gardens consisting of olives, but mostly date palm trees. These lofty trees provide dates, which in Siwa are known of their exceptional sweetness and rich flavor. The production of dates is a major source of income for the oasis, that’s why many locals spend their days caring for these valuable trees. The Siwans use palms in various ways; from using its wood to make houses while the delicate branches are used for furniture. Dates are ripe for harvesting once a year, in the month of October, and are also used for making jams and pastes. 

Dates have such an importance in the oasis, that they are represented in many aspects of the local craft traditions. The most widley used colors are gree, yellow, red and black, which represent the riping processs of the date fruit. The lush greenery of the palm groves creates a magnificent contrast against the golden sands, making the oasis a unique destination.