Dates
Dates are available year round, but because they are harvested in fall and early winter, they’re freshest then. There are three main categories of dates: soft, semisoft, and dry.
Dry dates, or bread dates, are not dates that have been deliberately dehydrated, as is the case with other kinds of dried fruits. Instead, they simply contain relatively little moisture when ripe.
Here are some varieties of dates you may find below
Various Types of Dates from different origin
Ajwa:This is a combination of the soft and dry variety, sweet to eat and smooth in the mouth. These dates are known to have healing properties, and, in a hadith, the prophet is reported to have said that having seven ajwa dates in the morning protects a person from magic and poison until the evening.
Anbara:These large dates are a favourite due to their big, fleshy form and small seed. They’re also one of the most expensive varieties! They’re sweet, brown and full of protein.
Safawi: These black dates are sweet, fleshy and packed with vitamins. They are soft and cultivated in Madinah. These dates are known for their healing properties. If eaten on an empty stomach, they kill stomach worms. They’re also famous for their high mineral content.
Barhi: These are yellow and crunchy. The ripe date tastes like caramel and brown sugar. It’s sweet, like most dates, and totally worth it. These creamy dates are really delicate and often sold while they’re still on the thin branches. These seasonal dates can be frozen and stored for months.
Saghai: These crisp dates are cultivated in Riyadh. They are usually brown, and light yellow at the tip. They’re wrinkled but don’t flake, and are definitely must-haves!
Khudri: These dark brown dates are dry and sweet. They have wrinkled skin and may be either large or small. They’re one of the most exported dates because of their freshness and reasonable prices. They are one of the best dates to go for if you want to refresh and energize.
Sukkari: These are crisp and really sweet; a quality which gives them their name. These are known for their healing and nutritious properties. They lower cholesterol, prevent tooth decay and also help get rid of fatigue. These are cultivated in Al Qaseem region.
Zahidi:These golden, oval dates have a firm texture and nutty taste. They have thick skin, are semi dry and less sweet than other dates. They are high in fiber.
Mejdool: These are known as the ‘Queen of Dates’. They have a large, cushiony texture, strong and sweet flavour. They’re really popular in America and are often used in making shakes and smoothies. They’re usually available year round.
Kholas: These dates have a caramel flavour when cured. They’re sticky when they’re fresh and usually consumed with Arabic coffee. They have loose skin, and they originated in Al Qaseem and Al Kharj regions of our country.
Ajwa
Anbara
Safawi
Barhi
Saghai
Khudri
Sukkari
Zahidi
Mejdool
Kholas
Harvest Season
Dates are usually harvested from late August until mid-November depending on variety, climate and desired ripening stage of the fruit.
Common Packing For Container Shipment
| Products | Packing | Container |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | 2x10Kg / Cartons | 900 Cartons in 20'FCL 1,300 Cartons in 40'FCL |
Origin of Dates with production
Specification
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 100gm
- Amounts per servings
- Calories 282
- % Daily Values*
- Total Fat 0.4 g0%
- Saturated fat 0 g0%
- Polyunsaturated fat 0 g
- Monounsaturated fat 04 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg0%
- Sodium 2 mg0%
- Potassium 656 mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 75 g25%
- Dietary fiber 8 g32%
- Sugar 63 g
- Protein 2.5 g5%
- Vitamin A0%Vitamin C0%
- Calcium3%Iron5%
- Vitamin D0%Vitamin B-610%
- Vitamin B-120%Magnesium10%
- *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 Calorie diet.
Facts on Dates
Phoenix dactylifera, commonly known as date or date palm, is a flowering plant species in the palm family, Arecaceae, cultivated for its edible sweet fruit. Although its place of origin is unknown because of long cultivation, it probably originated from lands around Iraq. The species is widely cultivated and is naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Date trees typically reach about 21–23 meters (69–75 ft) in height, growing singly or forming a clump with several stems from a single root system. The leaves are 4–6 meters (13–20 ft) long, with spines on the petiole, and pinnate, with about 150 leaflets. The leaflets are 30 cm (12 in) long and 2 cm (0.79 in) wide. The full span of the crown ranges from 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
Benefits and uses:
- Lowers cholesterol: Did you know that dates are free from cholesterol, and contain very little fat? Including them in smaller quantities in your daily diet can help you keep a check on cholesterol level, and even assist in weight loss.
- Protein rich: Dates are a strong source for proteins that help us in staying fit, and even keep our muscles strong. A lot of regular gym goers are asked to eat a couple of dates every day as part of their daily routine.
- Rich in vitamins: Dates contain vitamins such as B1, B2, B3 and B5, as well as A1 and C. If you have a few dates every day, you won’t have to take vitamin supplements. Not only will it keep you healthy, there will be a noticeable change in your energy levels as well because dates contain natural sugars such as glucose, sucrose, and fructose, too. So it works really well as a quick snack.
- Improves bone health: Dates are rich in selenium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, and all of these are required when it comes to keeping our bones healthy, and preventing conditions such as osteoporosis.
- Strengthens the nervous system: Date are loaded with potassium, and yet contain little sodium, and that goes a long way in keeping your nervous system in order. The potassium helps to reduce cholesterol, and keeps the risk of a stroke in check.
- Rich in iron: Apart from the fluorine that keeps your teeth healthy, dates also contain iron, which is highly recommended for those who suffer from iron deficiency. Plus it’s great for blood purification as well.
- Promotes digestion: If you soak a few dates in water and chew on them daily, your digestive system will behave itself very well. Plus it’s recommended for those who have trouble with constipation.
- Improves skin: The vitamins C and D works on your skin’s elasticity, and also keeps your skin smooth. Plus, if you suffer from skin problems, incorporating dates into your diet might help you in the long run. Plus dates also come with anti-ageing benefits, and prevent the accumulation of melanin in your body.
- Fixes hangovers: While we haven’t exactly tried it out, but it’s said that dates are an excellent way to control inebriation. And similarly, it also helps to cure hangovers. But for best results, you have to rub the skin a bit, and soak it in water overnight and then eat it.
- Assists in weight gain: The sugar, proteins, and other vitamins in the fruit help in weight gain, especially when you need it. Incidentally, it’s said that when eaten with cucumber, dates help to keep your weight at a normal level. Now that’s what we call flexibility!
