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The Medjool date is the most famous of the dates, so much so that it is nicknamed: the king of dates. It originates from the Tafilalt oases in southeastern Morocco. It is orange-brown to dark brown in color, very large in size, round to oval, fleshy, soft and very sweet. This variety originally comes from the palm groves of the Errachidia region. The variety produces fruits that are three times larger on average and is described as the queen of dates. After a devastating epidemic in the 20th century, Fusarium wilt (Bayoud disease), several million trees were lost and the variety was endangered. The Medjool was brought to the United States in 1927 by an American farmer. Eleven varieties of dates were imported from the Boudenib region of Errachidia province to California. The imported branches were carefully selected, from places that had never been affected by Fusarium wilt. The name was distorted during the crossing of the Atlantic and became known in America as Medjool. During its 87 years in California, Medjool dates have not been affected by the Bayoud disease and have continued to thrive and develop. Today, it rivals the Moroccan Medjool. Medjool is highly prized at parties and weddings in Morocco and among Moroccans abroad, and is often served stuffed with almonds or sweet almond paste. It is also very popular at breakfast during the holy month of Ramadan. In addition, during official celebrations, as a welcome, the host, when receiving guests, often offers a glass of milk with Medjool dates. Its price is around 150 dirhams per kilogram in Morocco (about $15). In 2009, the area planted with Medjool palms in Morocco included 17 territorial communities, with more than 110,000 palm trees, with an average production of 1,850 tons per year.