Types of Dates Across the World – Dates are a sweet, sticky fruit. They’re also commonly used in many different recipes and have somewhat of an exotic reputation. But the strange thing about dates is that there are so many types, and they all have different names depending on where you are. So what exactly are dates and how do they vary? Let’s find out!
The Different Types of Dates Around the World
Dates are a sweet, sticky fruit. They’re also commonly used in many different recipes and have somewhat of an exotic reputation.
But the strange thing about dates is that there are so many types, and they all have different names depending on where you are. So what exactly are dates and how do they vary? Let’s find out!
What is a date?
Dates are a fruit palm tree that is native to Africa and the Middle East, and it’s mainly grown in countries like Morocco and Saudi Arabia. The fruit of the tree grows on a cluster of leaves and it’s picked before the fruit ripens and turns yellow.
Once the fruit ripens, it’s dried, and this is when it’s turned into a date. Dates are very sweet and contain a lot of sugar, so they’re mainly used as a dessert or an ingredient in baked goods like cakes and cookies.
Types of Dates
There are many, many types of dates, but we’ve narrowed it down to three. Medjool dates – These dates are very large and come from Morocco. They’re the most commonly used dates in recipes, and they have a chewy texture and are very sweet.
Dates in the Middle East – Dates in the Middle East are much smaller than the Medjool dates and have a much drier texture. They’re often soaked in water or milk and then eaten with a spoon. Arabian Dates – These dates are also smaller than Medjool dates, but they have a soft, chewy texture and very sweet taste.
● Kholas Dates-
These dates originate from the kharja region of Saudi Arabia and are one of the best quality dates having a very smooth texture and are of golden brown in color but they are not very sweet in taste. They are kind of loose dates along with some stickiness and having a great caramel flavor and usually consumed with coffee.
● Medjool Dates-
These dates are also having a very sweet texture and also known as the queen of dates. They are very much sweet and usually large and oval in shape l. They are juicy and yet sticky with reddish brownish in color. They are very much rich in vitamins and minerals and also have a lot of fiber content inside them.
● Saghai Dates-
They are of yellow golden color having dry and crisp but they are not very sweet in taste.
● Barhi Dates-
These dates are also found and consumed in dry form. They have a different kind of crunchiness and have a sweet caramel flavor along with that they are one of the most expensive dates because of its rich properties and nutrients consisting of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
● Safawi Dates-
They are found in mainly madina region and can be used for healing as it has healing properties along with that it has a very soft texture but they are mainly available in dry form. They are dark black in color.
● Amber Dates-
These dates are very expensive because of their rich properties. It is rich in minerals and nutrients and also it is a rich source of protein. It is of black in color
● Ajwa dates-
Ajwa dates are also knows as holy dates in Islam and have a very great texture and taste along with numerous health benefits in so many diseases as it is rich in iron, vitamin and mineral. Check out the ajwa benefits before ordering them out.
● Zahidi Dates-
They are of not very dark brown in color and have an elongated shape. They have a golden shine over the surface. They are also known as butter dates because of golden appearance and having very soft texture with mind sugar content
● Sukkari Dates-
These dates have a lot of therapeutic values and use in treating so many diseases and for overall body nourishment and growth
● Khudri Dates-
They are very much sweet in taste but have some crunchiness while eating , they are of dark brown in color and not very much expensive and can be available easily because of high sweet content diabetic patients should be careful about it.
These are some types of dates which have great therapeutic properties along with great nutrition values and can consume one or two dates but diabetes patients should be careful as some are very much rich in sugar content.
Dates in the Middle East
Dates in the Middle East are much smaller than the Medjool dates and have a much drier texture. They’re often soaked in water or milk and then eaten with a spoon. Another name for these dates is Halawi dates. They’re normally grown in Northern India and Pakistan, and are also commonly used in desserts.
Arabian Dates
Arabian dates are also smaller than the Medjool dates, but they have a soft, chewy texture and very sweet taste. Another name for these dates is Kara Coorgi. They’re grown primarily in Southern India and are used in recipes that are cooked with spices and other flavors.
Brown Date or Halawi Date
Brown dates or Halawi dates are a type of dates that are very commonly eaten in the Middle East. They’ve got a very strong taste, so they’re normally eaten with other foods as a dipping sauce. They’re used in many salads and also in desserts and baked goods.
Black Date or Kara Coorgi
Black dates or Kara Coorgi are a type of Arabian date that have a very strong and potent taste. They’re used in many Indian vegetarian dishes and are also found in Indian desserts.
Deglet Noor Date
Deglet Noor dates are a type of date that is grown in Northern Africa and Southern Asia. They’re also used in Indian dishes and in desserts. They’ve got a sweet taste and a very soft texture.
Conclusion
Dates are a sweet, sticky fruit that is commonly used in many different recipes around the world. They’re also a very healthy fruit that is full of vitamins and minerals, so they’re a great food to include in your diet.
However, they do have a high sugar content, so they’re best eaten in moderation. The different types of dates vary in taste, texture, and color, so it’s best to try them all and see which one you like best! There are many, many types of dates, but we’ve narrowed it down to three.
Medjool dates are very large and come from Morocco. Dates in the Middle East are much smaller than the Medjool dates and have a much drier texture. Arabian dates are also smaller than Medjool dates, but they have a soft, chewy texture and very sweet taste.
