Mnaqi (Date Pitter)

A small hand tool for removing the pit from a whole date without splitting the fruit apart, used heavily during date-processing season and in everyday food preparation.

Material & Construction

A simple metal or plastic squeeze-action tool with a narrow plunger sized to push a date pit out through the fruit's existing opening.

Traditional Uses

Preparing dates for stuffing with nuts or cheese, and for bulk processing during the date harvest when large volumes need pitting quickly.

Modern Availability / Equivalents

Standard cherry/olive pitters sold internationally work identically for dates; dedicated date pitters are also widely available online.

Care & Maintenance

Rinse and dry after use; sticky date residue should not be left to dry on the mechanism, which can gum up the plunger action.