Find oldest data, based on a criteria in another row

How do I find the oldest date here for "apples"


=MIN(E4:E5000) gives me oldest date for apples pears and nectarines.
Dates in column E and variables in colum C

Apples 1-9-2008 11:55
Apples 4-9-2008 11:55
Apples 5-9-2008 11:55
Apples 6-9-2008 11:55
Pears 29-9-2008 11:55
Pears 4-9-2008 11:55
Pears 5-9-2008 11:55
Pears 6-9-2008 11:55
Nectarines 29-9-2008 11:55
Nectarines 4-9-2008 11:55
Nectarines 5-9-2008 11:55
Nectarines 6-9-2008 11:55


Thanks!

I tried this:

=MIN(IF(C1:C5000=G1,E1:E5000))

Where G1 contains the word Apples
However get a formula error.

Originally Posted by benishiryo

hi dutchdog, assuming your fruits are in Column C & dates in Column E, copy this formula into the formula bar:
=MIN(IF(C2:C5000="Apples",E2:E5000))

press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER to confirm

The formula contains an error.

Thats what I typed.. I dont understand..

I paste it in the formula field, go stand in the formula with my cursor and press ctrl shift enter..

Anyone any clues? Using excell 2003