Deglet Noor dates likely originated in the 17^th century in the Algerian Sahara Desert. A superior date, hundreds of Deglet Noor oases were established in Algeria and southern Tunisia during the 1800s. USDA researcher Walter Swingle first introduced the variety into the United States in 1900.

Deglet Noor palms have long, slightly arched leaves with relatively stiff feather-like leaves. Its foliage is olive green and with spines along a quarter to a third of the blade. The trunk is slender to medium heavy. Fruit stalks are greenish yellow to lemon colored.

At the Khalal stage the Deglet Noor date ranges from deep cornelian to apricot orange to rust red. At the Rutab stage they are amber or Sudan brown, turning a deeper color at the Tamar stage. The dry fruit is light brown to straw color. Deglets are long, and slender, measuring 40-50 millimeters long by 20 to 25 millimeters diameter. Medium-thick skin adheres to amber colored flesh in coarse wrinkles and folds. A paler zone surrounds the elliptical brown seed. Deglets possess a delicate flavor, shrink less in curing, and hold their shape better in packing, handling and storage than softer varieties, making them ideal for shipping.