Fruit was considered a delicacy and was generally consumed fresh. There were also methods to produce jams, as a carob compote found on a small reed table bears out. Grapes, tamarind, figs, pomegranates and dates might were used to make refreshing fruit juices, and to sweeten beverages and baked foods. Some fruits also had medicinal properties: the dum palm was used both as a sweetener and to alleviate hypertension and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
