Benefits of Eating dates
Dates are extremely nutritious, containing more natural sugar than any other fruit. The fruits contain protein, Vitamin A, and some of the B vitamins. The Arabs enjoy this wonderful fruit while eating it alone or complementary with other foods like mlik. Dates also contain substantial amount of dietary fiber and potassium, as well as many other valuable vitamins and minerals.
Medjoul dates are high in dietary fibre and amino acids. They are important for a healthy digestive system, regular bowel habits and increasing friendly bacteria in your system Ambar dates are known for accelerating the natural healing process. Consider these if you are recovering from injuries.
Dieticians consider Dates the best food for breast-feeding mothers. This is because Dates contain elements that assist in enriching the breast milk with the nutrients needed to make the child healthy and resistant to disease. Magnesium has been shown to help lower blood pressure. Again, dates are full of this mineral. Additionally, potassium is another mineral in dates that has several functions within the body, aiding with the proper workings of the heart and helping to reduce blood pressure.
Ajwa Dates
Origin: Saudi Arabia
Description: The ajwa dates is cultivated in the the city of Madinah, the city of the Prophet having historical and religious importance. Many are keen to consume this date due to its heritage making it one of the most highly demanded dates.
Colour: dark black
Taste: fruity
Bahri Fresh Dates
Origin: Jordan
Description: Bahri dates are seasonal dates that are enjoyed in different ways. More of then than not, most consume these fresh dates when it is ripe while some enjoy it fresh. As it passes through the different stages of ripening, the colour changes from Yellowish to Golden Yellow. An interesting known fact, is that as it ripens, the Bahri dates have a unique taste which is why there are different preferences when eating them.
Colour: Yellowish Golden
Taste: Varies according to ripe stage
Ambar Dates
Origin: Saudi Arabia
Description: Ambar dates also know as "Anbara" are soft and fleshy drier variety of date fruit from Saudi Arabia. It is cultivated in Madinah and is well renowned for its size as it is the largest of the Madinah dates. It is probably the biggest variety of dates produced.
Colour: Dark red color
Taste: Mildly Sweet
Medjoul Dates
Origin: Palestine, South Africa
Description: Medjoul dates are a large, plump with a soft fleshy. It is also known as the ‘Fruit of Kings’. They are rich in natural sweetness, fibre and potassium as well as many other vitamins and minerals, which means there is no reason not to eat them every day, as a naturally sweet treat and healthy snack.
Colour: deep brown
Taste: Caramel flavour
Mabroum Dates
Origin: Saudi Arabia
Description: They have a slender, longer, firmer body compared to other dates and a less sugary taste that’s perfect for those who enjoy subtler flavors.
Colour: Light brown red purplish
Taste: Mild Sweet
Mashrouq Dates
Origin: Saudi Arabia
Description: Mashrouq Dates or "Mashruq dates" are similiar to Mabroum dates. They are slightly distinct with a wider size. They still contain as much nutrients that are great for your body.
Colour: Light Brown Yellow
Taste: Mild Sweet
Rabeah Dates
Origin: Saudi Arabia
Description: Rabeah Dates are one of the few common dates that are available across the Middle East. It is as expected affordable but with benefits that you should not underestimate this variety of date.
Colour: Darker Brown
Taste: Mild Caramel
Safawi Dates
Origin: Saudi Arabia
Description: They have a form of small to large depending on the grade. Generally, these dates are soft and chewy and enjoyed by many in the South East Asian region. It is cultivated in the city of Madinah in Saudi Arabia.
Colour: Dark Brown
Taste: Soft Sweet
Mariami Dates
Origin: Iran
Description: These dates are actually named Piarom dates, but since they were first packed and exported under Mariami brand, they are internationally known as Mariami. They do however look alike to Mabroum dates.
Colour: Dark Brown
Taste: Sweet
Deglet Nour
Origin: Tunisia
Description: These fleshy dates are called the Queen of Dates which are best known as (Dates of light) with Nour the arabic term for light. This can be seen from its bright golden yellow glow. These dates also hold up to 22% of water content which is considered high among most dates.
Colour: Golden Yellow
Taste: Caramel Taste
Sullaj Dates
Origin: United Arab Emirates
Description: Sullaj dates are one of the many fresh dates that are cultivated United Arab Emirates. These Dates are differentiated by its wrinkled skin.
Colour: Light Yellowish brown
Taste: Sweet
Dabbas Dates
Origin: United Arab Emirates
Description: Dabbas dates are one of the smallest dates in the world. Despite the size, it packs great energy boosters with natural occurring sugars such as fructose, glucose and sucrose.
Colour: Golden brown
Taste: Sweet
Lulu Aiwa Dates
Origin: United Arab Emirates
Description: Lulu dates are also known as the "mini" Ajwa dates. It however contains more potassium than bananas and are an excellent source of Vitamin C for the body.
Colour: Dark brown
Taste: Sweet
Fardh Dates
Origin: Oman
Description: Fardh Dates are distinct from its shiny exterior and also almost smooth surface. It provides natural immunity of the body against disease, helps to build the body and run the nervous system and bone growth.
Colour: Reddish black
Taste: Very Sweet
Waha Dates
Origin: Egypt
Description: These dates are termed, Oasis Dates. They are among the world's most distributed dates due to its low cost. It is commonly seen in Indonesia where many locals acquire these dates.
Colour: Yellow Brown
Taste: Sweet
Bam Dates
Origin: Saudi Arabia
Description: Bam Dates are also widely know as Rotab or even Mazafati dates. They are small in size and are soft and chewy. It is one major species of fresh date with huge annual yield.
Colour: Dark brown
Taste: Chewy and Sweet
Sukkary Dates
Origin: Saudi Arabia
Description: Sukkary Dates are famous premium date types. It has a unique yellow golden brown colour that distinguishes it from other dates. The fruit's name derived from the arabic word of 'sugar' hence the sweet enjoyable taste when consuming it. Did you know they are an excellent source of fiber which is good for your digestive system!
Colour: Yellow Brown
Taste: Soft and Sweet
