Written By Sam Henselijn
Dates are a popular fruit that can be found in most households, either for meals or snacks.Different types of Dried Dates Explained. They come packed with health benefits, and a variety of tastes and textures to experiment with. Due to the fact that there are so many different types of dates, it can be intimidating trying to choose what kind to purchase. We hope to make that choice easier by explaining some of the popular choices, and narrowing it down for you!
The most popular, and easy to find, dates are:
- Medjool
- Deglet Noor
- Barhi
- Halawi
- Khadrawi
What health benefits can dried dates provide?
Before we begin to break down the differences, and help find the right dates for you, let’s talk about why you should eat dates in the first place! Dates are one of the most nutrient dense fruits available, and eating just one a day can significantly boost your health.
Dates have a high amount of fiber, which is beneficial for both your digestive system, and your overall gut health. Along with fiber, they provide your body with protein, potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, and vitamin B6. These nutrients will not only help you fight off disease by boosting your immune system, but they will promote brain and bone health.
Many studies have shown that dates can even aid with labor pain, and blood pressure levels during labor.
Those who struggle with high cholesterol or weight gain can also benefit greatly from adding dates to their diet. Lowering your cholesterol by eating dates will in turn lower the risk of stroke, and heart disease.
Different types of Dried Dates Explained
Medjool Dates
Medjool dates, which are grown on trees, originate from Morocco,
Jordan, Palestine, and Saudi Arabia. These are one of the most common dates, and the best to eat fresh. Medjool dates tend to ripen earlier in the season, and can be found throughout the year.
This stone fruit has a sweet taste, and a soft and chewy texture. Most people tend to describe these as taking almost caramel like, with a cinnamon or butterscotch aftertaste. They contain a high fructose content which makes them naturally very sweet and soft.
These dates come in larger sizes, and are a brownish amber color. Their bright color, paired with the sweet taste, also make these great for first time date tryers! The texture of medjool dates also make them fantastic for baked goods! Due to the natural sweetness these dates have, they can be used as a replacement for raisins or other fruits! Try adding a date to your morning smoothie for a nutrient boost!
Deglet Noor
Deglet Noor dates (commonly known as Royal dates, or the queen of all dates) originated from Algeria, and are now grown in both Algeria and Tunisia, as well as in some areas of the United States. These are considered one of the more popular types of dates; being known best for their rich flavor and soft, but firm, texture. They are medium size, with a pretty honey color outside.
These are much firmer when compared to Medjool dates, but still soft. Deglet noor dates aren’t as sweet as other dates, but they do have some natural sweetness to them. The flavor is often described as nutty, honey-like, and buttery.
When diced, they hold their texture, which makes them a great additive to meals like salad or pasta. They will add a bit of sweetness, and a nice texture.
Barhi
Barhi dates are the most delicate date, and the smallest as well. They start a bright yellow color, turning golden as they are stored. These stone fruits originated in Basra, Iraq, but traveled quickly across the world. They are now produced in the middle east, northern Africa, and California.
One of the reasons these dates are so popular is because they are tasty both in their crunchy state, and their soft state. Most dates are best when fully ripened, but Barhi dates provide a large variety of textures and sweetness all depending on the level of ripeness. When fully ready they have a very sweet taste, and are one of the sweetest dates available. Most people say they taste candy-like, with a coconut and sugarcane flavor. Along with their sweetness, they have a very smooth and creamy texture.
These dates are incredibly delicious, but can sometimes be hard to get a hold of. They are only available during fall, and due to the fragileness, they are most often found in farmers markets. Although they can be hard to track down, these dates are definitely worth the buy.
Halawi
The word halawi translates directly to the word “sweet” in Arabic, so it makes perfect sense that these dates are so popular. They originate from Hella, Iraq, though like most dates, they are now grown all around the world! The biggest producers of halawi dates are California and Iraq. They become ripe early in the summer, and can be found all season.
Halawi dates are medium-sized, and look very similar to deglet noor. However, unlike the deglet noor date, these dates taste like a pecan pie. They are buttery and chewy, and subtly sweet. The firm texture makes them great for stuffing, or even just eating as a snack.
Individuals who have sugar sensitivities, or simply want to watch their sugar intake, should give these dates a try. They are naturally sweet, but contain a much lower sugar count than other types of dates.
Khadrawi
Like its flavorful counterparts, Khadrawi dates originate from Iraq, but can now be found grown in both Iraq and California. Khadrawi dates are considered to be one of the oldest cultivated crops, and they are very popular in the Middle East. Although they can be a little tricky to find in the United States, they are one of the most prized dates, and are sought after for their silky and smooth texture, as well as a bold flavor.
These dates are known for having a much higher moisture content than other dates, making them the best choice for anything like smoothies, milkshakes, or desserts. Khadrawi dates are mediu, sized, and have a thick golden colored flesh. The strongest flavor that most people describe is caramel. These dates are very sweet and dessert-like on their own.
Due to the soft texture, and the natural sweetness, these are a great choice for anyone who has never tried dates. Snack on a few of these by themselves and enjoy the rich caramel taste!
With so many different types of dates in the world, it can be daunting to try to choose just one. Hopefully this article has helped you learn the differences, and has aided in guiding you towards the best date for you. Next time you spot dates in your local supermarket, or even your local farmers market, grab some and give them a try! Enjoy one of the oldest fruits on earth, and experience the different flavor profiles!
Sam Henselijn Author’s Biography – Meet L’Orenta Nuts CEO
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