Top Varieties of Dates
Dates require a warm climate with minimal or no rainfall, and the Middle East boasts the ideal conditions for their growth. There are over 1,500 varieties of dates cultivated worldwide. Below are some of the most distinguished types of dates:
Ajwa Dates
Ajwa dates are primarily found in Medina, Saudi Arabia, where they are grown in limited quantities. They have a texture akin to peaches and exhibit a black color with very fine, wrinkled lines. These dates are delightfully soft and possess a sweet flavor, despite being classified as a dryer type, which imparts a unique fruity essence.
Khadrawy Dates
Khadrawy dates are prevalent in Egypt, characterized by their elongated cylindrical shape. They typically display an amber to dark brown color with a wrinkled skin. This variety is soft and easy to chew, with a flavor reminiscent of sweet raisins and a taste similar to caramel.
Sukkari Dates
Sukkari dates are cone-shaped and come in both soft and firm variants. They have pronounced wrinkles and exhibit a deep yellow to dark golden color. This type is notable for its crystallized sugars and a delectable caramel-like taste.
Barhi Dates
Barhi dates are small, with a diameter ranging from 2 to 3-4 centimeters, and are almost oval in shape. They feature a yellow color and are commonly found in Iraq. Barhi dates are among the sweetest and most succulent varieties, boasting a flavor akin to caramel and brown sugar.
Anber Dates
Anber dates are the largest among all types from Medina, distinguished by their amber color. These dates originate from the Medina region in Saudi Arabia and are known for their dry yet soft texture.
Omani Dates
Omani dates are notable for their large size and soft texture, making them suitable for cooking and baking recipes.
Medjool Dates
Medjool dates were first discovered in Morocco and North Africa and were introduced to Nevada, USA, in 1927. They are large and soft, considered one of the most delicious dates when consumed fresh, with a shelf life of 12-15 days at room temperature.
Safawi Dates
Safawi dates are known for their plump and soft characteristics, featuring a rich sweetness and abundant nutritional value. They are typically cultivated in Medina.
Iranian Kimia Dates
Kimia dates are widely grown in Iran, where palm trees were planted in the late 9th century after being brought from China. These black dates are plump, incredibly delicious, and melt in your mouth. Kimia dates have a shelf life of approximately 15 days.