Rub (syrup)

Rub is a thick syrup extracted from dates

Rub (Arabic: رُب, pronounced [rubb]) is a thick dark brown, very sweet fruit syrup extracted from dates or carob. It is used widely in Libya, usually with asida, as well as many other Middle Eastern countries.

It is used in Israel, under the name silan, to cook sweet chicken dishes as well as for haroset for Passover.

Date syrup is rich in the monosacchirides glucose and fructose, and so most of its sugar content is absorbed into the bloodstream in the mouth, meaning that it raises the blood glucose levels more efficiently and immediately than other syrups. It is therefore highly suitable for people suffering from hypoglycaemia, or for those with sucrose intolerance or those with pancreatic problems who have difficulty absorbing disacchirides.