Best Dried Fruit Types in the World
Native to Algeria, deglet nour is one of the most common date varieties consumed in the entire North African region. They are small in size, amber in color, and characterized by the nearly translucent meat and a sweet, nutty, and caramel-like flavor.
Except in North Africa, they are cultivated in Israel and the United States, where they had been exported at the beginning of the 20th century. Even though they can be eaten plain as a sweet snack accompanied by tea or coffee, deglet nour are often incorporated in many traditional North African salads, pastries, and cookies.
For 3,000 years, the farmers of Siwa Oasis in the Western Egyptian desert have been taking advantage of water in the desert in order to grow chewy Siwa Oasis dates. Three of the most important varieties are Siwi, Azzawi, and Frehi, but there are three more varieties which are produced in small quantities and are at risk of extinction – Ghazaal, Takdat, and Amnzou.
The producers sell both fresh and dried dates. After the initial 10 years, each plant produces about 50 kilograms of these chewy treats per year. The maturation period of each type varies – Amnzou bears fruit in September, Azzawi and Siwi at the beginning of October, Ghazaal at the end of October, and Takdat between December and January.
Medjool dates are one of the most popular date varieties in the world, first cultivated in the Moroccan oasis Talifalt, and nowadays grown primarily in the Middle East (Israel being the main producer and exporter) and Northern Africa. They are larger and sweeter than other varieties and are often dubbed the "king of dates" due to their superior taste and versatility.
The flavor can be described as caramel-like, the texture is chewy, and they are chock-full of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Medjool dates can be eaten on their own (fresh or dried) but can also be a part of various regional recipes, from porridges and desserts to stews, tagines, and pilafs.
Śliwka szydłowska is a unique dried and smoked prune that can be either pitted or unpitted, produced in the Staszów district, Świętokrzyskie Voivodship in Poland, a region with rich lime soils and high amounts of sunshine which favorably influence the plum cultivation in the area.
The prunes may be flattened or oblong in shape and have wrinkled, shiny skin with a dark blue exterior sheen. On the interior, there is a homogeneous, elastic flesh with a strong, pure and intense taste and a smoky scent. Only the blue plum Prunus domestica is suitable for the production due to its high sugar content and low water content, which are desirable properties for the smoking process, which is done in drying rooms for approximately 48 hours.
Ajwa is a famous date variety originating from Medina, Saudi Arabia. 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.
The dates are packed with protein, dietary fibre, 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.
THE BEST Ajwa dates Dates
Mission figs are varieties of figs that were introduced to the United States in 1768, when Franciscan missionaries cultivated it in San Diego, hence their other name, Franciscana. They're dark-skinned, which is why they're also called black Mission figs.
When fully ripe, the figs have a dark pink flesh and a pleasant honey flavor. They're also available in dried versions, when the figs are still relatively moist and sweet. The first crop is available in early summer, while the second one is available from late summer through October.
Suska sechlońska is a dried and smoked prune grown and produced in the Malopolskie Voivodship in Poland. Its name refers to the Polish word for dried fruit, suska, while the word sechlońska refers to a place called Sechna, known for its traditional drying process.
The prunes may be prolate or oblong and have wrinkled, sticky skin on the exterior which can be deep blue to black. On the interior, it has a juicy, pulpy and elastic flesh and the taste is delicately sweet with a smoky scent and aftertaste. Due to their high sugar content and low water content, only plums of the Prunus domestica variety are used in the process, making them suitable for drying and smoking.
These dried grapes (sultanas) are produced exclusively from Sultanina grapes. This variety replaced the local Cretan varieties of grapes in the early 20th century, when refugees from Asia Minor arrived and began cultivating Sultanina grapes using their traditional skills and knowledge.
Due to the island's low level of precipitation and long hours of sunshine in July and August, these grapes have an extremely high sugar concentration. The grapes are harvested from mid-August through mid-September and are put to dry immediately after they are picked.
Mazafati dates are a well-known Iranian cultivar, highly regarded for their sweet and delicate taste and soft and chewy texture. They are primarily grown in the southern regions of Iran, with Bam region being the largest producer and exporter. Mazafi dates are medium-sized, dark in color, and mostly consumed fresh, either on their own as a snack or paired with nuts, cheese, oatmeal, and yogurt.
These large dried figs are made from Traganika variety figs grown exclusively in the municipality of Kymi on the island of Evia. The fig tree of this local variety has hardly any natural pests, which means it can be organically fertilized and requires no pesticides.
Kymi figs are harvested from August until the end of September. They are gathered when fully ripe and placed in wooden baskets called 'telara'. They are processed in special chambers using sulphur vapors and cut in half, and are then left to dry naturally in the sun for 4 to 5 days.
Best Dried Fruit Producers in the World
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Nawat Al Madinah Food Industries Co. is a prominent Saudi Arabian company located in Madinah Industrial City, specializing in the processing and export of premium date varieties such as Ajwa, Safawi, Medjool, Sukkari, and Amber. Their state-of-the-art facility employs advanced technology and skilled process engineers to maintain the highest quality standards.
Dedicated to sustainability and authenticity, Nawat Al Madinah focuses on delivering natural and distinctive date products that cater to diverse consumer tastes. The company aims to expand its global reach, striving to become a key exporter of fresh dates while adhering to strict food safety and hygiene standards.
BEST Nawat Al Madinah Fruits (types and products)
Tayiba Dattes is a renowned Saudi Arabian producer of high-quality Ajwa dates, known for their superior taste and texture. The company meticulously selects large-caliber dates to ensure freshness and premium quality in every batch. Tayiba offers both fresh and firm Ajwa varieties, catering to diverse customer preferences.
Their production process emphasizes traditional cultivation methods while maintaining high safety and hygiene standards. This dedication has established Tayiba as a trusted name in the global market for authentic, flavorful Ajwa dates.
Al Mohamadia Dates Company is a prominent producer of premium-quality dates based in Saudi Arabia. Established in 1996, the company is renowned for its artisanal cultivation and processing of a variety of date types, including the highly sought-after Ajwa dates.
Their production facilities blend traditional methods with modern technology, ensuring freshness, hygiene, and optimal quality. Sourced from their own farms in the Al-Kharj area, their dates are marketed both locally and internationally. Al Mohamadia is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and ethical farming practices, making it one of the top producers in the Saudi date industry.
BEST Al Mohamadia Dates Company Fruits (types and products)
Barakat Al-Madinah Date Factory, established in 2007 and headquartered in Medina, Saudi Arabia, specializes in the production and export of premium dates, notably the esteemed Ajwa variety. With over 30 years of industry experience, the company integrates traditional cultivation methods with advanced agricultural techniques to ensure exceptional quality.
Their state-of-the-art facility maintains rigorous hygiene standards, boasting a storage capacity of 30,000 tons and an annual turnover of 50,000 tons. Strategically located in Medina, renowned for its ideal date-growing climate, Barakat Al-Madinah consolidates the efforts of the region's finest date producers, emphasizing quality control and effective marketing to serve a global clientele.
BEST Barakat Al-Madinah Date Factory Fruits (types and products)
Urjoon Al-Aaliya, established in 2005, is a Saudi Arabian manufacturer specializing in premium quality dates and dried fruits. Based in Medina, the company produces a variety of date types, including Ajwa, Amber, Mabroom, Sukkari, Safawi, and Sugai, adhering to high standards that comply with U.S. and EU food regulations.
Utilizing modern machinery and equipment, Urjoon Al-Aaliya ensures the finest quality products for their customers. In addition to manufacturing, they offer services such as food packages, transportation, and Iftar provisions during Ramadan. With a global distribution network, they ship products worldwide, including to the USA, Canada, UK, Japan, Australia, and China.
BEST Urjoon Al Aaliya Fruits (types and products)
Best Dried Fruits in the World
Viva Energy Booster Nuts Mix is a carefully crafted blend of nuts and dried fruits, designed for those seeking a healthy and delicious way to boost their energy throughout the day. This mix combines high-quality ingredients such as almonds, cashews, black beans, raisins, dried mango, and dried cranberries, offering a rich variety of flavors and textures in every bite.
Viva Energy Booster Nuts Mix is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a nutritious and satisfying snack, combining great taste and essential nutrients to help keep you energized and fulfilled all day long.
Al Mohamadia Dates Company is renowned for producing premium Ajwa Al Madina dates, sourced directly from their farms in the Al-Kharj area of Saudi Arabia. These dates are celebrated for their soft texture and rich, mildly sweet flavor, holding significant cultural and religious importance.
Al Mohamadia's commitment to quality ensures that their Ajwa dates meet high standards, making them a preferred choice for consumers seeking authentic Saudi dates. Their products are available both domestically and internationally, catering to a global clientele.
Mabroom Dates from Al Mohamadia Dates Company are a premium variety of Saudi Arabian dates known for their elongated shape, firm texture, and rich caramel-like flavor. Grown using traditional cultivation methods and modern quality standards, these dates are a powerhouse of essential nutrients, including natural sugars, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy, energy-boosting snack.
Their semi-dry texture and natural sweetness make them a versatile gourmet product, perfect for enjoying as a standalone treat, pairing with nuts, or incorporating into desserts and recipes. Al Mohamadia Dates ensures freshness and purity in every batch, earning international recognition as a leading exporter of high-quality Mabroom dates from Saudi Arabia.
Safawi Dates, produced by Al Mohamadia Dates, are renowned for their rich, dark brown to black color, soft texture, and subtly sweet taste with hints of caramel. Cultivated in the fertile date farms of Medina, these dates are highly prized for their superior quality and freshness.
Unlike other varieties, Safawi dates are known for their chewy consistency and long shelf life, making them a preferred choice for both daily consumption and gourmet cuisine. Packed with essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, they offer significant health benefits.
Barakat Al-Madinah Date Factory is a renowned producer of premium Ajwa dates, sourced directly from Medina, Saudi Arabia — the only region where authentic Ajwa dates are grown. Known for their rich flavor, soft texture, and religious significance, these dates are highly prized around the world.
The company blends traditional harvesting techniques with modern processing standards to ensure optimal freshness, hygiene, and taste. Packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, Barakat's Ajwa dates are celebrated for their health benefits, including support for heart health and digestion.
Ajwa Dates from Urjoon Al-Aaliya are premium-quality dates cultivated in Medina, Saudi Arabia, known for their rich taste, soft texture, and cultural significance. These dates are naturally sweet and packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and fiber, making them a healthy and delicious snack.
Urjoon Al-Aaliya ensures quality and authenticity by using traditional farming and harvesting methods, resulting in fresh, flavorful, and nutrient-rich dates. Available in convenient packaging options, including 5kg boxes, their Ajwa dates cater to the needs of both local and international customers.
Ajwa Dates by Nawat Al Madinah are a premium variety of soft, dry dates grown in the city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Renowned for their unique texture and mildly sweet, fruity flavor, these dates hold a special place in Islamic tradition, with beliefs that consuming seven Ajwa dates each morning offers protection against poison and magic.
Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, they are considered a superfood with significant health benefits. Nawat Al Madinah ensures that its Ajwa dates are cultivated using traditional methods, preserving their natural sweetness and free from additives or preservatives.
Sukkary dates produced by Nawat Al Madinah are renowned for their natural sweetness, creamy texture, and caramel-like flavor. Grown in the fertile soils of the Al-Qassim region, they are rich in essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium. The company employs state-of-the-art facilities and skilled process engineers to ensure each date meets the highest standards of flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Nawat Al Madinah’s dedication to quality and excellence has positioned it as a leader in the dates industry, both domestically and internationally.
Sagai dates, produced by Nawat Al Madinah in Saudi Arabia, are celebrated for their unique two-toned appearance—golden at the tip and brown at the base—and their distinctive texture that blends a crunchy outer layer with a soft, chewy center. Known for their mild sweetness and natural freshness, these dates are grown and harvested using traditional techniques combined with modern food safety standards.
Nawat Al Madinah ensures the highest quality by employing advanced sorting, cleaning, and packaging processes, catering to both local and global markets. Popular during Ramadan and Eid, Sagai dates are highly valued for their nutritional benefits, offering a natural source of energy and essential nutrients.
Safawi dates produced by Nawat Al Madinah in Saudi Arabia are known for their deep black color, soft texture, and chewy consistency. These dates have a distinct sweet taste with subtle hints of toffee and caramel, making them a popular choice during Ramadan and Eid.
Nawat Al Madinah ensures premium quality by employing modern processing techniques while preserving traditional methods of cultivation. Safawi dates are prized for their health benefits, as they are high in fiber, antioxidants, and natural sugars, providing an instant energy boost.
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 36 Dried Fruits in the World” list until March 12, 2025, 1,178 ratings were recorded, of which 468 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.