Halal markets around the world are stocking extra dates in advance of the holy month of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month that begins Saturday. Muslims traditionally break the fast with dates, a practice believed followed by the prophet Muhammad.
But growers of the most sought-after dates -- medjools -- in southern California are dealing with a wrinkle caused by the holiday's earlier arrival, according to the LA Times:
It will be the first time in a decade that Ramadan starts before the harvest season in September. ... This means that most dates will come from last year's crop, stored in freezers. Some fear a date shortage, or at least a scarcity of the most popular varieties.
More Ramadan news: Religion News Service reports on Muslims lobbying to have the two Eid holidays designated as days off of school.
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