Revered as the "fruit of the kings" and treasured since ancient times, dates offer a unique mix of rich history, nutritional richness, and culinary versatility that continues to captivate food enthusiasts and health-conscious eaters alike. But in the Middle East, and especially in Saudi Arabia, dates are not just an exotic healthy snack. They are an integral part of the everyday life.
For centuries, these resilient trees have not only adapted to the harsh desert environment but have also been essential to the sustenance, economy, and traditions of the Saudi people. From the succulent ajwa to the sweet sukkary, Saudi Arabia's dates are a testament to the country's agricultural ingenuity and its pivotal role in the global date market.
Here are eight of the most famous and delicious date varieties originating from Saudi Arabia.
Ajwa
Ajwa is a famous date variety originating from Medina. These dates are dark brown to almost black in color. The texture is slightly dry, soft, and chewy, while the flavors are prune-like and sweet with hints of cinnamon, caramel, and honey.
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The dates are packed with protein, dietary fibers, healthy fats, and vitamins such as A, B6, C, E, and K. During and after pregnancy, the consumption of ajwa dates improves blood circulation for mothers and babies. These dates are also known as holy dates and they hold a special place in Islamic tradition.
Safawi
Safawi is a traditional Saudi Arabian date variety originating from the Al-Madina region. These wrinkly dates have a deep black color and they're medium to large in size. The texture is soft, moist, and chewy, while the flavor is sweet. They are a good source of natural sugars, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins, making them a healthy choice for a natural energy boost.
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The safawi palm tree is known for its high productivity, so safawi dates are more commercially available than most other varieties (year-round). They are often consumed at breakfast or as a snack and are particularly popular during the month of Ramadan for breaking the fast due to their energy-rich composition.
Sukkary
Sukkary is a traditional Saudi Arabian date variety originating from the Al-Qassim area. These are among the sweetest and softest variety of dates, often described as melt-in-the-mouth soft. Their color is golden, while the flavor is sweet and juicy.
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When dried, the dates become chewy and even sweeter, and there is some crunchiness near the stem. Sukkary dates are packed with energy, natural sugars, fibers, minerals, and vitamins. They're often referred to as royal dates due to their natural sweetness and golden color.
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Sagai
Sagai is a traditional date variety originating from the Arabian Peninsula and it's especially popular in Saudi Arabia. These dates are famous for their two-toned color – at the tip, they are golden and dry, while the rest of the body is brown and soft.
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The flavor is mildly sweet, while the unique texture is both crunchy and soft. The demand for these dates is especially high during Ramadan and Eid. The consumption of sagai dates are said to help in relieving constipation and are beneficial as an energy booster.
Mabroom
Mabroom is a traditional date variety originating from Saudi Arabia. These elongated dates have a light red to bronze skin and a candy-like texture that's chewy and sticky. It's recommended to enjoy them at room temperature, not straight out of the fridge.
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The flavor is mildly sweet, smooth, and pleasant, with a lingering hint of toffee. Mabroom dates contain natural fibers and minerals, making them very healthy. Many people compare mabroom dates with khudri dates, but this variety is longer and smaller in size
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Khudri
Khudri or khudry is a traditional date variety hailing from Saudi Arabia. These dates are less expensive than most other varieties and they have a dark brown color and a cylindrical shape with wrinkled skin. The size ranges from medium to large.
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The texture is chewy (but not dry), while the flavor is moderately sweet with hints of caramel. The dates are eaten as they are or stuffed with walnuts, almonds, or cream. They're also packed with fibers, magnesium, potassium, and a load of other vitamins and minerals.
Al-Bakaya
Al-Bakaya is an endangered palm tree known for its tall and imposing stature. The dates it produces are sweet, oval-rectangular, and display a mix of ripe and semi-ripe stages, with brown on the bottom and yellow on top. Only a small quantity of al-Bakaya dates is collected to prevent damage, and typically, only one tree is planted per farm.
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They are famous in the city and surrounding villages, considered rare and challenging to handle due to fragility during ripening and perishability. Known for their unique flavor and high sweetness, al-Bakaya dates yield syrup (dibs) suitable as a sugar substitute.
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Khalas
Khalas dates are a premium variety of dates that are highly prized in the Middle East, particularly in the Arabian Gulf countries. Known for their distinctive sweet flavor and rich, creamy texture, khalas dates are often considered a symbol of hospitality and generosity in the region.
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They have a medium size and come in a range of colors from golden brown to dark brown when ripe. The flesh of the khalas date is soft and moist, making it a favorite for both fresh consumption and use in various culinary applications, from desserts to traditional dishes. Khalas dates are especially revered during the month of Ramadan for breaking the fast due to their energy-boosting properties.
