The best variety of dates

For Europeans, dates are exotic, sweet and delicious palm fruits. For the Arabs - "bread of the desert", which they have cultivated for more than 7 thousand years on the sands of the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, in the territories of modern Iran, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. Now the area of ​​cultivation of date palms has grown, so it is not easy for specialists to understand the varieties. In colorful oriental bazaars, on the counters of provincial markets, in any store there is always a couple of varieties of these berries. How not to be mistaken and choose what you have tried or noticed in advertising, what happy travelers have treated.

All about dates - how, who, where, how much

The queen of the oasis bathes her feet in the water, and her beautiful head in the fire of the sun's rays.

There are 18 known varieties of date palms, but the tree of the genus Phoenix dactylifera has been called the "queen of the oasis" since ancient times. It is from him that the crops that have won world fame and love are harvested. The rest of the date palms are decorative or bear fruit with no commercial value.

Read more about growing a date at home - in our article: Date palm: the subtleties of planting and caring for an exotic plant.

The date palm is rightfully called the "queen of the oasis"

World leaders in the production and export of dates

In the modern world, the cultivation area of ​​dates has gone far beyond the traditional territories - they are grown in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and the Republic of South Africa; in Australia, Israel and the USA - in California, Arizona and Texas.The USA and Israel are the main suppliers of fresh dates to the European market, and the bulk of the berries are exported dried and dried.

Video: collecting dates in Tunisia

Table: top 10 date-producing countries in April 2017

The world's largest exporters of dates in 2017 were:

• Iran,
• Egypt,
• Saudi Arabia.

Date palette - types and varieties

In Islamic countries, dates are considered "food given by Allah", they are allowed to be eaten with fasting, these fruits are also used as a medicine. In addition, berries are recommended for people to maintain vitality and replenish the body with useful substances.

Biochemical composition of dates

Berries of different varieties differ in color, type, shape, taste, seed size, pulp texture, biochemical composition. The balance of nutrients and nutrients can vary greatly from variety to variety. The fruits contain:

• carbohydrates - from 44 to 88%;
• proteins - 1.91-2.6%;
• fats - 0.25-0.52%;
• salts and minerals - potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, sulfur, fluorine, cobalt, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and others;
• pectin - 0.52-3.9%;
• fibers - 6.4–11.5%;
• amino acids - 23 types;
• vitamins - group A, group B;
• cholesterol - no;
• energy value - 274 kcal per 100 g.

Types of dates

It takes 200 days from pollination of a female date palm to full fruit ripening. Harvesting begins in August and ends in November.

Classification by stage of maturity

Dates maturity:

1. Kimri (kimri) - creamy white fruits turn green, quickly increase in size, contain up to 85% moisture, bitter and tart, due to the large amount of tannins.
2. Halal (Khalal) - the berry has begun to ripen, becomes yellow or red, firm, bitter. The amount of sugars increases, astringency decreases. Some varieties can be harvested at this stage.
3. Rutab (Rhutab) - fruits ripen 5-7 weeks after halal, their tips darken, moisture content drops to 35%, weight is lost, the skin hardens, the pulp becomes soft and sugariness.
4. Tamr (Tamer) - comes 3 weeks after the rootab, harvest. The moisture content of the fruit is about 20%.

There are 3 stages of commercial maturation - halal, rutab and tamr.

Dates are distinguished by their degree of maturity and moisture content.

Moisture content classification

Distinguish:

• dry (solid) - moisture 18%,
• semi-solid or semi-soft - moisture 18-23%,
• soft - moisture> 23%.

This classification is somewhat arbitrary, because during transportation and storage, the differences between the dry look and the semi-hard, semi-soft and soft are erased.

The texture of freshly harvested hard dates is dry and fibrous. Ripening and drying makes them even tougher and sweeter, they are stored for years - this is the kind that Bedouins traditionally use. And now soft and semi-hard varieties are sold as survival kits.

Video: how to choose the right dates

Date varieties

More than a thousand varieties of dates are known. In addition to being eaten raw, dried and dried, they are used for making desserts, syrups, pasta, fruit and vegetable salads, baked goods, gravy and sauces, vinegar and alcohol. Several dozen of them are exported to the foreign market.

Soft varieties

Fruits of these varieties contain more juice and less sugar, they are eaten fresh and dried, and they are bought mainly in the USA and Europe.

Mazafati is the main trade variety in Iran. There are 20 varieties on the market: color from chocolate brown to black brown, with caramel taste and soft meaty consistency, size from 2.5 to 4.5 cm, barrel-shaped. Berries contain vitamins A1, C, B1, B2, B3, B5, potassium, fluorine, iron. At + 5 ° C can be stored for up to a year. Our variety is known under the names Paradise dates, Zar, Kaspiran.

Mazfati is Iran's main export variety

Kabkab - called "honey date" because of its amber brown color and honey taste, the record holder for sweetness. Large, 9–15 cm in size, oblong-oval, with a small bone sticking to the flesh.The increased sugar content allows it to be stored at + 18 ° C for one and a half years, at room temperature - 6 months. Manufacturer - Iran.

Kabkab - Iranian honey date

Hasui (Khasoei) - the sweetness is not inferior to the Kabkab variety, usually light brown, but the color can vary from dark yellow to dark purple, depending on the place of cultivation. Round, fleshy, soft, sweet. Stores well.

Hasui dates keep well

Barhi (Barhi) - delicate, juicy, bright yellow, almost round, slightly larger than a nut. It got its name from the hot Arabian wind Barh. Barhi is eaten fresh, it has a thin skin and fragrant, very sweet flesh. It is high in moisture, therefore low in calories, rich in minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber. In the dried Barhi, the aroma of vanilla and lemon balm appears, the color changes to yellow-caramel, the skin seems to be separated from the pulp. Exporters - Israel, Saudi Arabia.

Barhi - date sun

Anbarah is one of the best and largest varieties of Medina (Saudi Arabia). Fruits 2.5–3 cm in diameter, soft, sweet, oblong, red-brown, with a small stone. They are characterized by a high protein content and the ability to accelerate wound healing. Growing is limited, so Anbar is expensive.

Anbara is considered an elite variety of dates.

Khadravi (Khadrawi) - medium size, oval, with a golden-red sticky flesh, caramel-sweet and aromatic. They are eaten raw, with a bite you can feel a sugar crunch; due to increased moisture, they are good in cocktails, mashed potatoes and desserts. Contains potassium, iron, folic acid, dietary fiber and B vitamins. Exporter - Iraq.

Hadravi dates are very good for making mashed potatoes and desserts

Majkhul (Medjoul) - "king of dates" originally from Morocco. Now cultivated in Israel, the most widespread exported species, and in California. The dominant variety in the United States. Large, up to 8 cm, dense, dark brown, with a thin skin, caramel aroma, soft and sweet.

The berry contains 66 kcal, 15.95% sugars and 0 fats.

100 grams of Majkhul dates contain:

• 6.7 g fiber
• 696 mg potassium
• 54 mg magnesium
• 0.25 mg vitamin B6,
• 1.61 mg niacin
• 64 mg calcium
• 62 mg phosphorus
• 0.06 mg riboflavin
• 2.7 mcg vitamin K
• 0.05 mg thiamine
• 149 IU vitamin A
• 0.44 mg zinc.

Majkhul - the king of dates

Hiyani is a variety native to Egypt and is served fresh or frozen all year round. When ripe, red, ripe - almost black, cylindrical, 5 cm in size, soft, sweet and aromatic. Rich in calcium and dietary fiber. Sold by Egypt and Israel.

The Khiyani variety is served fresh or frozen in restaurants

Semi-soft varieties

Sayer (Sayer, Estemran) - exported by Iran and Iraq. One of the main varieties of Iran and an important part of export. Dark, orange-brown, oblong, medium-sized - about 8 cm. The pulp is pliable, syrupy, sweet and aromatic. The bone is easily detached. Stored in a cool place for more than a year, humidity up to 18%. Exported with pitted, pitted, chopped.

100 g of Sayer dates contains:

• 0 fat
• 2.0 g protein
• 64 g carbohydrates
• 8.7 g dietary fiber
• 4.0 mg sodium
• 1.4 mg iron
• 0.07 mg thiamine (vitamin B1)
• 0.04 mg riboflavin (vitamin B2),
• 0 mg niacin
• 0.8 mg pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
• 0.15 mg pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
• 21 mcg folic acid
• 75 mg potassium
• 68 mg calcium.

Energy value - 1077 kJ / 253 kcal.

Sayer dates - delicate and fragrant

Rabbi - one of the earliest varieties, the collection begins in August. So popular that the crop is sold before ripening. Fleshy, dark brown, long, with 15% moisture. Sweet, medium-bodied, with a light thin skin; up to a year stored at 10-15 ° C. It is widely used on an industrial scale - marshmallows, date syrup and sugar, chocolate, drinks, baked goods are made from it. Exporter - Iran.

Rabi dates are often used to make oriental sweets.

Deglet Nour - "finger of light", "nutmeg date", recognized as the best of the semi-soft varieties. Originally from Tunisia. The most common export type, its share is 90% of world trade. The share in total production is 50%, and in the USA it is 95%. Honey-colored, elongated, translucent - the seed is translucent, medium-sized - 5-6 cm. Semi-soft, sugary, slightly crunchy, with a unique taste and nutty aftertaste. Due to its dense consistency, it is convenient for preparing desserts and baking. Often sold on the branches.

100 g of Dekel Nur contains:

• sugar - 63%,
• iron - 1.02 mg,
• calcium - 39 mg,
• vitamin B6 - 0.165 mg,
• potassium - 656 mg
• magnesium - 43 mg,
• antioxidants (beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin) - 81 mcg,
• protein - 2.45 g,
• calories - 282 kcal.

It has a high antioxidant effect.

Amber Dekel Nur is a real delicacy

Khudri is a popular export species from Medina, Saudi Arabia due to its reasonable value for money. Fruits are medium to large, fleshy, dark burgundy brown, oval, moderately caramelly sweet and fibrous, with a pleasant chewy texture. The skin is wrinkled and in places lags behind the pulp. Favorable for the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases.

100 g of Khudri contains:

• 275 kcal,
• 58.5 g of sugars
• 1.8 g protein
• 4% calcium
• 6% iron.

Khudri - quality for a reasonable price

Safawi is one of the best varieties in Medina, Saudi Arabia. The fruits are large, up to 9 cm long, fleshy and moderately sweet, they can be chewed for a long time, enjoying their tenderness and aroma. When ripe, they are red and tart, after picking they are dark brown-red, a slight astringency remains in the aftertaste. The combination of price and quality contributes to the popularity of Safavi. Eating on an empty stomach expels worms.

Eating Safavi dates on an empty stomach helps in the fight against worms

Sukkari is the queen of dates from Saudi Arabia. Light fruits are always preferred over dark ones: dark yellow, soft, aromatic, sweet dessert taste, melt in the mouth. Some sugar crunch is felt when biting. Small, conical with smooth outlines, with a pleasant density. The skin is thin, yellow-brown.

Sukkari - the sweet sun of Arabia

7 pcs. Sukkari contain:

• 164 kcal,
• 1 mg sodium
• 381 mg potassium
• 5 mg fiber
• 36 mg sugar
• 2% calcium
• 3% iron.

Recommended for the prevention of dental caries, lowering cholesterol levels and general fatigue.

Halawy is one of the finest varieties in Iraq, literally “sweet”. Can be consumed unripe. Medium in size, oval and elongated, covered with a thin, shiny skin, ranging in color from amber to light brown. Pleasantly sweet and fibrous, fleshy. Due to the moderate density of the pulp, it is good for salads, stuffing, pies. Similar to the more common Dekel Noor in texture, but less sugary-sweet. Contains magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc. Recommended for athletes and diabetics.

Halawi dates are recommended for athletes and diabetics

Ajwa is the "king of dates" popular among Muslims from Medina, Saudi Arabia. The use of the Azhva variety for food is prescribed by the Koran.

The Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Vasalam) said: "Ajva dates from paradise." [Tirmidhi (2068) he said Hasan Sahih and this was confirmed by Shaykh al-Alaani

The variety is expensive due to its medium fruiting. When ripe, the berries are red, when picked they are dark chestnut. They are famous for their unique combination of external hardness and delicate soft core. The anti-inflammatory properties of Azva have been confirmed at El Riyadh University.

Table: the content of nutrients in 100 g of Azhva dates

Due to its high cost and popularity, Azhva is often substituted. But real berries can be recognized by their thin white lines.

The use of the Azhva variety for food is prescribed by the Koran

Sagai is a unique bicolor, originally from Saudi Arabia.Medium in size, oblong and oval, with a yellow rim in the upper part - dry, with a taste of brown sugar. Brownish yellow, towards the tip of Sagai brightens to yellow. The skin is dry and tight. Wrinkled, soft, delicate sweet, pleasantly chewed. It goes well with milk. The composition includes fiber, copper, potassium. Recommended for the prevention of bone diseases.

Sagai - a unique two-color date

Khalas is a fine, medium-sized, sticky, moist, reddish brown found in the Al Kharj and Qasim regions, SA. The harvest begins to take off when it acquires an apricot color and continues to harvest until it is fully ripe. With a delicate taste, caramel-sweet, with a pleasant caramel aroma. Usually Khalas is eaten with a cup of Arabic coffee.

Composition of dates Halas:

• humidity - 16.13%,
• fiber - 2.59%,
• fat - 0.12%,
• nitrogen - 0.191%,
• proteins - 1.192%,
• sugar - 68.83%.

Table: mineral content in 1 kg of Halas dates

Dates Khalas - a traditional dessert for Arabic coffee

Hard varieties

Turi (Thoory) - the most famous dry variety, originally from Algeria. "Bread Date", not sticky, with hard skin, dry pulp, convenient for walking and doing sports - just put a handful of berries in your pocket. Sweet, with a nutty flavor. Soaked, it is good for baked goods and salads. One of the first varieties used for human consumption.

Turi is the first known date to be eaten by humans

Zahedi is a popular variety in Iran, translated as "Nobility". A large bone is easily separated from the pulp, hard, large - up to 8 cm, dark yellow-brown, oval, with a pleasant sweet and nutty taste. Silan is made from Zahedi - date honey. Rich in iron, dietary fiber, vitamins A, B, C. It combines well and complements other varieties of dates, used in baked goods and salads.

Zahedi is a popular variety among Iranians and Iraqis

Sokari - "royal dates" popular with the Arabs of the UAE. Tough, firm, with yellow, wrinkled and wrinkled skin, cone-shaped. They have a mild sweetness, slightly crunchy from crystalline sugar when bitten.

Sokari - dates crunchy with sugar

Is the date seed worthy of attention?

In 2017, more than 7 million tons of dates were produced in the world, the seeds make up from 5.6 to 14.2% of the berry weight, so the issue of their use is relevant. Since ancient times, bones have been used for jewelry and souvenirs, ground and added to coffee beans or made a coffee substitute. Silversmiths used coal from them in the production of jewelry. As science developed, it was found that the date bone contains:

• 14 types of fatty acids and only 8 of them are found in the pulp,
• oleic acid from 41.1 to 58.8%,
• iron, magnesium, fluorine, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, sulfur and their salts from 0.1 to 0.9 mg per 100 g,
• lauric acid - 0.56-5.4%,
• oil - 7.7-9.7%.

Date stone is used in soap making and cosmetics, soaked and ground, it is added to livestock feed, and is also used in the production of oxalic acid. Ground bones of the Azhva variety are recommended to be taken for cleaning blood vessels, with high pressure, and for smokers.

Reviews of date lovers

Dates are truly a gift from nature to humanity. Growing in harsh conditions, the date palm maintains the health of people on all continents, pampers them with excellent taste and aroma, helps to overcome problems, saturating them with energy. Its fruits for people and delicacy, and medicine, and "daily bread", and itself - a joy to human eyes: beautiful and majestic.

Retired 1C programmer

(14 votes, average: 4.5 out of 5)

In Arab countries, dates are called "bread of the desert", for more than 7 thousand years they have been grown in these hot states. For an ordinary European person, these fruits of palm trees are considered a real exotic. Since new varieties are constantly being developed, a very large number of varieties of this dried fruit have appeared today. Here will be described the best varieties of dates, which are widely used not only in the Middle Eastern countries, but throughout the world.

Few numbers

For such a long period of existence of dates, many of their varieties have been bred.Today, there are more than 450 varieties of this fruit. The main exporter is Saudi Arabia, with over 18 million date palms growing in this country. In total, they give 648,000 tons of crops annually.

The production and cultivation of dates is controlled at the state level, large funds are regularly allocated for fertilization and planting of new palms. This is all done so that this culture brings money to the country and takes an important place in its economy.

But also quite a large number of date palms are located in neighboring countries. Therefore, in order to understand which dates to choose, you need to familiarize yourself with the most common varieties.

Soft varieties

Such fruits can be eaten both fresh and dried. They have a lot of moisture and relatively little sugar. Soft dates are preferred throughout Europe as well as in the United States of America.

Mazfati

This variety of dates is considered the most popular in Iran and is exported to the whole world. Mazfati is divided into over 20 varieties. Dates are light brown to almost black in color. The taste contains pleasant caramel notes, and the pulp is juicy and moderately sweet, the consistency is fleshy. The size of the fruit can reach almost 5 cm. In the CIS countries, this variety of dates is better known as "paradise". The fruit is rich in such vitamins:

• A1;
• WITH;
• B1, 2, 3, 5;
• potassium;
• iron.

If the product is stored at a temperature of about +5 degrees, then it can retain its beneficial properties for one year.

Kabkab

Another popular variety of Iranian dates, it is also widely distributed in Saudi Arabia. The fruit has a pleasant amber color and an original honey taste; it is because of its taste that it received the popular name "honey date".

Unlike the previous variety, this fruit is quite large, its length can reach 15 cm, and its shape is oval. The fruit is quite sweet and therefore can be stored for a long time. At temperatures up to +18 degrees, the product retains its qualities for 18 months. If stored at room temperature, the shelf life is reduced to six months.

Hasui

Palms with such fruits grow practically throughout the entire Middle East. Its size is slightly smaller than in the previous case, but it is absolutely not inferior in sweetness. Storage conditions are similar to Kabkab. Fruit color - from light brown to dark purple. Considered one of the best varieties of dates, the type of fruit depends on where it was grown.

As-sukkari

The most popular representative of dates from Saudi Arabia. The fruit has a beautiful yellow color, the taste is incredibly sweet and delicate. Unfortunately, it cannot be stored for a long time at above-zero temperatures, so it is frozen or dried. In the latter case, the fruit also remains very soft. This variety of dates can be consumed at any stage of ripening.

Barhi

Another variety, which is produced in large quantities in Saudi Arabia, is also grown in Israel. The fruits are very juicy, have a bright yellow color, and are round in shape. Its size is slightly larger than a regular walnut. The fruits are eaten fresh or dried. In the second case, the color of the fruit becomes darker, and a subtle aroma of lemon balm and vanilla appears.

Anbar

One of the healthiest varieties of soft dates, it is grown in Saudi Arabia. The fruits are small, barely 3 cm in diameter. They have an oblong shape, color - red-brown, inside a small stone.

Unlike previous varieties, Anbara is considered a healing date, contains a large amount of protein, and also promotes rapid wound healing. Since this fruit is grown only in one country and in limited quantities, it is considered an elite variety. Therefore, it has a very high cost.

Hadrawi

This variety of dates is grown in Iraq. The fruits are medium in size, up to 5 cm in diameter. When biting through, a person feels a slight sugar crunch. As a rule, in European countries, the product is used as an additive in desserts, included in mashed potatoes.

The date is rich in various vitamins, among which should be highlighted:

• potassium;
• iron;
• B vitamins.

The color of the fruit is golden-red, depending on the stage of ripening, it can slightly change both in the light and in the dark side.

Mujkhul

The most popular variety of dates in the United States. The variety was first bred in Morocco, but the main exporter today is Israel. The fruits are quite large, up to 9 cm. The color is dark brown, sometimes it even reaches almost black. The skin is very thin, and when consumed, a bright caramel aroma is felt.

Due to the complete absence of fat, the fruit has only 66 kcal. The average price category, in Europe, is not found as often as in an overseas country.

Solid varieties of dates with photos and descriptions

The peculiarity of such products is that they are much easier to use, they are not as sticky as previous types. You can take a handful of dates with you and use it for jogging or after playing sports. It is the hard varieties that are considered "bread of the desert" for the Arab population.

Turi

This variety is considered one of the most famous in this category worldwide. The main exporter is Algeria. The product is not sticky at all, has a rather hard skin and dry pulp. It tastes sweet and has a pleasant nutty aroma.

To make the product easier to consume, it is pre-soaked and used for making baked goods and salads. Turi is considered the first date to be used by humans as food.

Zahedi

The date is widespread in Iran, its undoubted advantage is the simple separation of the pulp from the stone. The fruits are very large and reach 8 cm in diameter. It doesn’t taste much different from Turi, with the same pleasant nutty aroma and sweetness.

It is used to prepare a wide variety of dishes, mainly from oriental cuisine. The product is rich in various vitamins. This variety is not very well known in the world, in most cases it is used where it grows.

Sokari

The sweetest variety of hard dates, predominantly found in the UAE. They are very tough and firm, the skin is soft, wrinkled. When consumed, lumps of crystalline sugar are well felt.

Al-asila

Palm trees with this variety of dates grow on sandy and clay soil in Saudi Arabia. Al-Asila is very popular in the world, it is this fruit that is very well exported. Palms are incredibly fertile, with about 200 kg of harvest being harvested from one tree. That is why such a date has a relatively low price, which has a positive effect on demand.

The length of the fruit is up to 5 cm, and the weight is about 20 g, the color is coffee yellow. For use in various dishes, it is first soaked and only then used in cooking.

Beneficial features

It is not for nothing that the Arabs love this product so much. Scientists have proven that eating 10 dates a day with a glass of milk saturates the human body with the necessary amount of vitamins. Fruit is recommended for people who suffer from hypertension, anemia, lung diseases, improve brain activity. Moreover, if the cough does not go away for a long time, you can also try dates as a medicine, they help to remove phlegm and improve physical condition.

Separately, it is worth noting the dietary properties, dates in this can only compete with cereals, which also have a minimum amount of fat, but at the same time are very useful for humans.

Now you know what types of dates exist and how they differ from each other. Despite the rather high price of this product, its use is extremely necessary for the human body.Doctors recommend that people who work out in gyms take a small amount of dates with them, so the lost energy will quickly recover.

For Europeans, dates are exotic, sweet and delicious palm fruits. For the Arabs - "bread of the desert", which they have cultivated for more than 7 thousand years on the sands of the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, in the territories of modern Iran, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. Now the area of ​​cultivation of date palms has grown, so it is not easy for specialists to understand the varieties. In colorful oriental bazaars, on the counters of provincial markets, in any store there is always a couple of varieties of these berries. How not to be mistaken and choose what you have tried or noticed in advertising, what happy travelers have treated.

All about dates - how, who, where, how much

The queen of the oasis bathes her feet in the water, and her beautiful head in the fire of the sun's rays.

There are 18 known varieties of date palms, but the tree of the genus Phoenix dactylifera has been called the "queen of the oasis" since ancient times. It is from him that the crops that have won world fame and love are harvested. The rest of the date palms are decorative or bear fruit with no commercial value.

The date palm is rightfully called the "queen of the oasis"

World leaders in the production and export of dates

In the modern world, the cultivation area for dates has gone far beyond the traditional territories - they are grown in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and the Republic of South Africa; in Australia, Israel and the USA - in California, Arizona and Texas. The USA and Israel are the main suppliers of fresh dates to the European market, and the bulk of the berries are exported dried and dried.

Video: collecting dates in Tunisia

Table: top 10 date-producing countries in April 2017

The world's largest exporters of dates in 2017 were:

• Iran,
• Egypt,
• Saudi Arabia.

Date palette - types and varieties

In Islamic countries, dates are considered "food given by Allah", they are allowed to be eaten with fasting, these fruits are also used as a medicine. In addition, berries are recommended for people to maintain vitality and replenish the body with useful substances.

Biochemical composition of dates

Berries of different varieties differ in color, type, shape, taste, seed size, pulp texture, biochemical composition. The balance of nutrients and nutrients can vary greatly from variety to variety. The fruits contain:

• carbohydrates - from 44 to 88%;
• proteins - 1.91-2.6%;
• fats - 0.25-0.52%;
• salts and minerals - potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, sulfur, fluorine, cobalt, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and others;
• pectin - 0.52-3.9%;
• fibers - 6.4–11.5%;
• amino acids - 23 types;
• vitamins - group A, group B;
• cholesterol - no;
• energy value - 274 kcal per 100 g.

Types of dates

From the pollination of a female date palm to full ripening of the fruit, 200 days pass. Harvesting begins in August and ends in November.

Classification by stage of maturity

Maturity degrees of dates:

1. Kimri (kimri) - creamy white fruits turn green, quickly increase in size, contain up to 85% moisture, bitter and tart, due to the large amount of tannins.
2. Halal (Khalal) - the berry has begun to ripen, becomes yellow or red, firm, bitter. The amount of sugars increases, astringency decreases. Some varieties can be harvested at this stage.
3. Rutab (Rhutab) - fruits ripen 5-7 weeks after halal, their tips darken, moisture content drops to 35%, weight is lost, the skin hardens, the pulp acquires softness and sugariness.
4. Tamr (Tamer) - comes 3 weeks after the rootab, harvest. The moisture content of the fruit is about 20%.

There are 3 stages of commercial maturation - halal, rutab and tamr.

Dates are distinguished by their degree of maturity and moisture content.

Moisture content classification

Distinguish:

• dry (solid) - moisture 18%,
• semi-solid or semi-soft - moisture 18-23%,
• soft - moisture> 23%.

This classification is somewhat arbitrary, because during transportation and storage, the differences between the dry look and the semi-hard, semi-soft and soft are erased.

The texture of freshly harvested hard dates is dry and fibrous. Ripening and drying makes them even tougher and sweeter, they are stored for years - this is the kind that Bedouins traditionally use. And now soft and semi-hard varieties are sold as survival kits.

Video: how to choose the right dates

Date varieties

More than a thousand varieties of dates are known. In addition to being eaten raw, dried and dried, they are used to prepare desserts, syrups, pasta, fruit and vegetable salads, baked goods, gravy and sauces, vinegar and alcohol. Several dozen of them are exported to the foreign market.

Soft varieties

Fruits of these varieties contain more juice and less sugar, they are eaten fresh and dried, and they are bought mainly in the USA and Europe.

Mazafati is the main trade variety in Iran. There are 20 varieties on the market: color from chocolate brown to black-brown, with caramel taste and soft meaty consistency, size from 2.5 to 4.5 cm, barrel-shaped. Berries contain vitamins A1, C, B1, B2, B3, B5, potassium, fluorine, iron. At + 5 ° C they can be stored for up to a year. Our variety is known under the names Paradise dates, Zar, Kaspiran.

Mazfati is Iran's main export variety

Kabkab (Kabkab) - called "honey date" because of its amber brown color and honey taste, the record holder for sweetness. Large, 9–15 cm in size, oblong-oval, with a small bone sticking to the flesh. The increased sugar content allows it to be stored at + 18 ° C for one and a half years, at room temperature for 6 months. Manufacturer - Iran.

Kabkab - Iranian honey date

Hasui (Khasoei) - the sweetness is not inferior to the Kabkab variety, usually light brown, but the color can vary from dark yellow to dark purple depending on the place of cultivation. Round, fleshy, soft, sweet. Stores well.

Hasui dates keep well

Barhi (Barhi) - delicate, juicy, bright yellow, almost round, slightly larger than a nut. It got its name from the hot Arabian wind Barh. Barhi is eaten fresh, it has a thin skin and fragrant, very sweet flesh. It is high in moisture, therefore low in calories, rich in minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber. In the dried Barhi, the aroma of vanilla and lemon balm appears, the color changes to yellow-caramel, the skin seems to be separated from the pulp. Exporters - Israel, Saudi Arabia.

Barhi - date sun

Anbarah is one of the best and largest varieties in Medina (Saudi Arabia). Fruits 2.5–3 cm in diameter, soft, sweet, oblong, red-brown, with a small stone. They are characterized by a high protein content and the ability to accelerate wound healing. Growing is limited, so Anbar is expensive.

Anbara is considered an elite variety of dates.

Khadravi (Khadrawi) - medium size, oval, with a golden-red sticky flesh, caramel-sweet and aromatic. They are eaten raw, with a bite you can feel a sugar crunch; due to the increased moisture, they are good in cocktails, mashed potatoes and desserts. Contains potassium, iron, folic acid, dietary fiber and B vitamins. Exporter - Iraq.

Hadravi dates are very good for making mashed potatoes and desserts

Majkhul (Medjoul) - "King of dates" originally from Morocco. Now cultivated in Israel - the most widespread exported species, and in California. The dominant variety in the United States. Large, up to 8 cm, dense, dark brown, with a thin skin, caramel aroma, soft and sweet.

The berry contains 66 kcal, 15.95% sugars and 0 fats.

100 grams of Majkhul dates contain:

• 6.7 g fiber
• 696 mg potassium
• 54 mg magnesium
• 0.25 mg vitamin B6,
• 1.61 mg niacin
• 64 mg calcium
• 62 mg phosphorus
• 0.06 mg riboflavin
• 2.7 mcg vitamin K
• 0.05 mg thiamine
• 149 IU vitamin A
• 0.44 mg zinc.

Majkhul - the king of dates

Hiyani is a variety native to Egypt and is served fresh or frozen all year round. When ripe, red, ripe - almost black, cylindrical, 5 cm in size, soft, sweet and aromatic. Rich in calcium and dietary fiber. Sold by Egypt and Israel.

The Khiyani variety is served fresh or frozen in restaurants

Semi-soft varieties

Sayer (Sayer, Estemran) - exported by Iran and Iraq. One of the main varieties of Iran and an important part of export. Dark, orange-brown, oblong, medium-sized - about 8 cm. The pulp is pliable, syrupy, sweet and aromatic. The bone is easily detached. Stored in a cool place for more than a year, humidity up to 18%. Exported with pitted, pitted, chopped.

100 g of Sayer dates contains:

• 0 fat
• 2.0 g protein
• 64 g carbohydrates
• 8.7 g dietary fiber
• 4.0 mg sodium
• 1.4 mg iron
• 0.07 mg thiamine (vitamin B1)
• 0.04 mg riboflavin (vitamin B2),
• 0 mg niacin
• 0.8 mg pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
• 0.15 mg pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
• 21 mcg folic acid
• 75 mg potassium
• 68 mg calcium.

Energy value - 1077 kJ / 253 kcal.

Sayer dates - delicate and fragrant

Rabbi - one of the earliest varieties, the collection begins in August. So popular that the crop is sold before ripening. Fleshy, dark brown, long, with 15% moisture. Sweet, medium-bodied, with a light thin skin; up to a year stored at 10-15 ° C. It is widely used on an industrial scale - marshmallows, date syrup and sugar, chocolate, drinks, baked goods are made from it. Exporter - Iran.

Rabi dates are often used to make oriental sweets.

Deglet Nour - "finger of light", "nutmeg date", recognized as the best of the semi-soft varieties. Originally from Tunisia. The most common export type, its share is 90% of world trade. The share in total production is 50%, and in the USA it is 95%. Honey-colored, elongated, translucent - the seed is translucent, medium-sized - 5-6 cm. Semi-soft, sugary, slightly crunchy, with a unique taste and nutty aftertaste. Due to its dense consistency, it is convenient for preparing desserts and baking. Often sold on the branches.

100 g of Dekel Nur contains:

• sugar - 63%,
• iron - 1.02 mg,
• calcium - 39 mg,
• vitamin B6 - 0.165 mg,
• potassium - 656 mg
• magnesium - 43 mg,
• antioxidants (beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin) - 81 mcg,
• protein - 2.45 g,
• calories - 282 kcal.

It has a high antioxidant effect.

Amber Dekel Nur is a real delicacy

Khudri is a popular export species from Medina, Saudi Arabia due to its reasonable value for money. Fruits are medium to large, fleshy, dark burgundy brown, oval, moderately caramelly sweet and fibrous, with a pleasant chewy texture. The skin is wrinkled and in places lags behind the pulp. Favorable for the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases.

100 g of Khudri contains:

• 275 kcal,
• 58.5 g of sugars
• 1.8 g protein
• 4% calcium
• 6% iron.

Khudri - quality for a reasonable price

Safawi is one of the best varieties in Medina, Saudi Arabia. The fruits are large, up to 9 cm long, fleshy and moderately sweet, they can be chewed for a long time, enjoying their tenderness and aroma. When ripe, they are red and tart, after picking they are dark brown-red, a slight astringency remains in the aftertaste. The combination of price and quality contributes to the popularity of Safavi. Eating on an empty stomach expels worms.

Eating Safavi dates on an empty stomach helps in the fight against worms

Sukkari is the queen of dates from Saudi Arabia. Light fruits are always preferred over dark ones: dark yellow, soft, aromatic, sweet dessert taste, melt in the mouth. Some sugar crunch is felt when biting. Small, conical with smooth outlines, with a pleasant density. The skin is thin, yellow-brown.

Sukkari - the sweet sun of Arabia

7 pcs.Sukkari contain:

• 164 kcal,
• 1 mg sodium
• 381 mg potassium
• 5 mg fiber
• 36 mg sugar
• 2% calcium
• 3% iron.

Recommended for the prevention of dental caries, lowering cholesterol levels and general fatigue.

Halawy is one of the finest varieties in Iraq, literally “sweet”. Can be consumed unripe. Medium in size, oval and elongated, covered with a thin, shiny skin, ranging in color from amber to light brown. Pleasantly sweet and fibrous, fleshy. Due to the moderate density of the pulp, it is good for salads, stuffing, pies. Similar to the more common Dekel Noor in texture, but less sugary-sweet. Contains magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc. Recommended for athletes and diabetics.

Halawi dates are recommended for athletes and diabetics

Ajwa is the "king of dates" popular among Muslims from Medina, Saudi Arabia. The use of the Azhva variety for food is prescribed by the Koran.

The Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Vasalam) said: "Ajva dates from paradise." [Tirmidhi (2068) he said hasan Sahih and this was confirmed by Shaykh al-Alaani

The variety is expensive due to its medium fruiting. When ripe, the berries are red, when picked they are dark chestnut. They are famous for their unique combination of external hardness and delicate soft core. The anti-inflammatory properties of Azva have been confirmed at El Riyadh University.

Table: the content of nutrients in 100 g of Azhva dates

Due to its high cost and popularity, Azhva is often substituted. But real berries can be recognized by their thin white lines.

The use of the Azhva variety for food is prescribed by the Koran

Sagai is a unique bicolor, originally from Saudi Arabia. Medium in size, oblong and oval, with a yellow rim in the upper part - dry, with a taste of brown sugar. Brownish yellow, towards the tip of Sagai brightens to yellow. The skin is dry and tight. Wrinkled, soft, delicate sweet, pleasantly chewed. It goes well with milk. The composition includes fiber, copper, potassium. Recommended for the prevention of bone diseases.

Sagai - a unique two-color date

Khalas is a fine, medium-sized, sticky, moist, reddish brown found in the Al Kharj and Qasim regions, SA. The harvest begins to take off when it acquires an apricot color and continues to harvest until it is fully ripe. With a delicate taste, caramel-sweet, with a pleasant caramel aroma. Usually Khalas is eaten with a cup of Arabic coffee.

Composition of dates Halas:

• humidity - 16.13%,
• fiber - 2.59%,
• fat - 0.12%,
• nitrogen - 0.191%,
• proteins - 1.192%,
• sugar - 68.83%.

Table: mineral content in 1 kg of Halas dates

Dates Khalas - a traditional dessert for Arabic coffee

Hard varieties

Turi (Thoory) - the most famous dry variety, originally from Algeria. "Bread Date", not sticky, with hard skin, dry pulp, convenient for walking and doing sports - just put a handful of berries in your pocket. Sweet, with a nutty flavor. Soaked, it is good for baked goods and salads. One of the first varieties used for human consumption.

Turi is the first known date to be eaten by humans

Zahedi is a popular variety in Iran, translated as "Nobility". A large bone is easily separated from the pulp, hard, large - up to 8 cm, dark yellow-brown, oval, with a pleasant sweet and nutty taste. Silan is made from Zahedi - date honey. Rich in iron, dietary fiber, vitamins A, B, C. It combines well and complements other varieties of dates, used in baked goods and salads.

Zahedi is a popular variety among Iranians and Iraqis

Sokari - "royal dates" popular with the Arabs of the UAE. Tough, firm, with yellow, wrinkled and wrinkled skin, cone-shaped. They have a mild sweetness, slightly crunching from crystalline sugar when bitten.

Sokari - dates crunchy with sugar

Is the date seed worthy of attention?

In 2017, more than 7 million tons of dates were produced in the world, the seeds make up from 5.6 to 14.2% of the berry weight, so the issue of their use is relevant. Since ancient times, bones have been used for jewelry and souvenirs, ground and added to coffee beans or made a coffee substitute. Silversmiths used coal from them in the production of jewelry. As science developed, it was found that the date bone contains:

• 14 types of fatty acids and only 8 of them are found in the pulp,
• oleic acid from 41.1 to 58.8%,
• iron, magnesium, fluorine, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, sulfur and their salts from 0.1 to 0.9 mg per 100 g,
• lauric acid - 0.56-5.4%,
• oil - 7.7-9.7%.

Date stone is used in soap making and cosmetics, soaked and ground, it is added to livestock feed, and is also used in the production of oxalic acid. Ground bones of the Azhva variety are recommended to be taken for cleaning blood vessels, with high pressure, and for smokers.

Reviews of date lovers

Dates are truly a gift from nature to humanity. Growing in harsh conditions, the date palm maintains the health of people on all continents, pampers them with excellent taste and aroma, helps to overcome problems, saturating them with energy. Its fruits for people and delicacy, and medicine, and "daily bread", and itself - a joy to human eyes: beautiful and majestic.

When the phrase “agriculture” is used, Russians imagine wheat fields and apple orchards. The Arabs of the UAE have very different associations, they imagine an oasis and groves of date palms.

Dates are a staple of the Arabian diet, an important part of their culture and the main gift that tourists from the UAE bring. In this article, we will tell you the most interesting about dates in the United Arab Emirates and give a lot of useful advice to tourists - how to choose the best and how not to overpay.

Why UAE dates are considered the best

The date palm loves a dry climate and water, things are rarely compatible. Some palm trees in the UAE grow in oases, where the roots reach the aquifer. In some areas, the problem of water is solved by artificial irrigation.

It is in the climatic zone of the Arabian Peninsula that the largest, sweetest and most delicious dates ripen. Dates from the UAE and Saudi Arabia are considered the best in the world.

Facts, figures and important findings

Date production in the UAE is constantly growing. If in 1961 the whole country grew only 6,000 tons, then by 2001 the harvest reached 300,000 tons, and now (note: this article was published in 2017) they are already harvesting more than 500,000 tons annually.

The UAE is now one of the 10 largest date producers, ranking 6th (2014 data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations).

There are about 44 million date palms in the country - there are 4 palms for every inhabitant. The UAE exports dates and owns about 9% of the world market. However, the country simultaneously imports them from Iran and Egypt.

Many readers have a logical question: why do the Arabs import dates into the country, if they themselves produce them in huge quantities? This makes sense, Egyptian and Iranian dates are inexpensive, they “close” the cheap segment of the market. The visiting Indian and Pakistani workers in the United Arab Emirates also want to eat dates, but they have no money for expensive fruits grown in the UAE. We talked in detail about the citizens and visiting workers in the article "Population of the Arab Emirates".

Based on these facts and figures, it is already possible to give important advice for tourists. When buying dates from a store in the UAE, be sure to check the country of origin. What's the point in buying Iranian and Egyptian? They are sold in Russia and are several times cheaper here than in the UAE.

Now you do not need to memorize the tips, we will collect all the important points below at the end of this article.

Dates are rich in vitamins and other substances necessary for the human body. Some books or articles on the Internet even write that a person can only eat dates. This is a misconception, because they lack vitamin C and almost no fat, which are vital for humans.

But if you combine dates and milk in the diet, then the set of substances necessary for the body will already be complete. This is the diet that the Bedouins of the Arabian Desert have lived on for centuries. And not even for centuries, but for millennia. In the emirate of Abu Dhabi on Delma Island in 1998, archaeologists found the remains of a settlement and the oldest seeds of a date palm, dated 5110 BC.

Humans have been cultivating the date palm for over 7000 years.Now think what a variety of varieties and types of dates people have bred over these 7000 years.

The UAE has a huge variety of varieties. The United Arab Emirates is the only country where the classification of date varieties is carried out at the official level, this work has been carried out by the UAE University since August 2015. So far, they have identified and compiled a detailed description of 55 varieties, and in total there are from 150 to 500 varieties in the country (each industry expert gives his own number).

To buy really good dates in the UAE, you need to understand the varieties at least at a basic level. We will talk about the most popular and best varieties in detail below in this article.

Prices

Dates from the UAE (specifically grown in the UAE) can cost from 30 to 300 dirhams per kilogram, depending on the variety and quality of the fruit. For the current exchange rate of the Emirati currency, see our article “What money is in the United Arab Emirates”.

Salah Abdulah al-Musa (Director of the Agricultural Research Department of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of the UAE) spoke about pricing in detail and in an accessible way. He says the following:

The price depends on the variety, size, color, thickness, softness, sweetness of the fruit.

The place where the dates were grown is important. The fruits from the oases are always better and more expensive than from the coast. For example, for the Majdool variety, a dry climate and a source of water are required, then the fruits grow in the right size and taste. It is the low humidity that makes it possible for large fruits to grow.

Some varieties are grown in limited quantities, hence the high price. Some areas of the country and oases boast fruits with a unique taste and aroma, but the harvest is also limited, such fruits have a higher price.

The most expensive varieties from the UAE are Khalas, Barhi, Dabbas, Lulu, Fard, Khenaizi and Sheesh.

How to choose dates in the UAE

You can buy dates in supermarkets, specialty stores or markets. Each place of purchase has its own pros and cons.

In supermarkets, prices are low, fruits are sold in packages, but the range is limited. In the markets, the assortment is excellent, prices are low, but there are good chances to buy cheap and tasteless dates under the guise of an expensive variety. In specialized stores, tourists are not deceived, the assortment is gorgeous, but the prices are high.

First - look at the country of origin... It makes no sense to buy Egyptian or Iranian dates, which can be bought in Russia several times cheaper. Choose only fruits grown in the UAE or Saudi Arabia.

Second - it is better to take the original packaging... You can export food products from the United Arab Emirates in any quantity and in any package. But products can be imported into the territory of the Russian Federation only in their original packaging. If you buy loose dates, you run the risk of losing them during a random check at the Russian customs. Better to play it safe and buy packaging. Details in our article "What and how much can be exported from the UAE."

Third - better target a specific variety in advance.... Explore what the fruit of this variety should look like, what color and size. It makes no sense to understand all varieties.

Fourth - ask to pack nicely... If you buy in a specialized store, then ask to make a branded packaging. In a self-respecting brand store, this service is free. The gift will be more presentable in the package, and the Russian customs will not have any questions.

Fifth - look at the date of collection... Harvesting date palms in the UAE begins in August and ends in November. Make sure to buy the latest harvest.

Sixth - appearance... Choose undamaged fruit with a symmetrical shape. There should be no defects on the skin. If the seller in the market places an obviously defective fruit, ask to remove this fruit from your order.

If dates are sold on a branch, then this is only a plus, it is a guarantee that the fruits were not on the ground.

Bateel brand stores

Bateel stores are considered the best place to buy dates in the UAE. Bateel itself calls its stores “gourmet boutiques”. Here you can buy dozens of varieties and a wide range of sweets.

Sweets and cakes, which are baked on the spot, have gained worldwide fame. Date candies with almonds inside and covered with chocolate glaze have become the hallmark of the Bateel brand. Gift sets made of sweets, dried fruits and cakes are popular with tourists.

Bateel is tasty, high quality, guaranteed, but expensive. For example, a kilogram of Majdool dates costs 135 dirhams here. If you find them in the supermarket, you can buy them 2-3 times cheaper.

The largest Bateel store in the United Arab Emirates is located in the Emirate of Dubai in the Dubai Mall.

Other date products

In the UAE, you can buy some very exotic date and date palm products.

A very interesting product is date palm syrup. This is very similar to our birch sap. This is not an Arab national product, this syrup was invented in the Canary Islands. It is used in cooking, most often for baking.

Interesting coffee mixed with date palm seed powder. The taste is unique, although unusual for Russian tourists. From the seeds of the date palm in the UAE, fragrant soap and kohl - eyeliner are made.

The most interesting and popular varieties

Variety Mezhdul (Majdool) called "the king of dates". It is this variety that we recommend to buy in the first place.

The word is translated from Arabic as "unknown". Comes from Morocco, medium-sized fruit, dark brown color, moderately sweet taste. Photo below, click on the photo to enlarge.

Sheesh, he is shishe, he is shishe. One of the most common in the UAE.

We highly recommend it for Russians, since the fruits of this variety are not so cloying in taste. The color is bright brown with light spots at the ends, the taste is moderately sweet, the fruits of this variety are distinguished by a thick skin.

Kalas, he is kolas, he is kholas. It is considered a premium variety.

The word translates as “enough”. The variety is native to Saudi Arabia. The color is deep brown, the size is medium. The taste can be called "caramel". The fruit is high in fiber. Emirates eat these dates with coffee.

Fard is also very popular.

The fruits are small, the shape is closer to a ball than an ellipsoid. In the United Arab Emirates, the fruits of this variety are believed to be beneficial for the immune system. The variety is expensive.

Barhi interesting in that date palms of this species do not grow on the coast, only in oases in the desert.

The word translates as "hot wind". The variety is widespread due to its very high yield - 80-120 kilograms per tree. Fruit color is dark brown, medium to medium size.

Successful shopping for gifts in the UAE, and read other informative articles about this country on our website (links below).

Read about the UAE on our website

Dates are a delicious and healthy sweetness. After harvesting, the fruits are dried. Moreover, they are often treated with additional means to preserve their appearance. How to choose dates so that they are good for the body? There are several nuances to consider when purchasing. They are described in the article.

Benefit

Before you learn how to choose dates, you should study their beneficial properties. The product is high-calorie - about 220 kcal per 100 g. It is recommended to use it for diseases of the heart, blood vessels, as well as for diseases of the stomach. Dates are good for colds. They are also valued for their lack of cholesterol.

The fruits should not be used only for diabetes mellitus, as they have a high glycemic index. They are not contraindicated for other people, you just need to observe the measure. A couple of fruits per day are enough to get the benefits.

Contraindications

But, in addition to useful properties, there are contraindications:

1. The fruits are rich in sugars. Healthy people should eat them in moderation so as not to cause diabetes.
2. Dates are a high energy food, so excessive consumption is harmful to obese people.
3. Eating a lot of date palm fruit can cause inflammation in the digestive tract. Therefore, with the risk of such diseases, you need to use the product carefully.
4. Dates should not be combined with citrus fruits in the same dish. This can cause stomach upset.
5. Contraindications include individual intolerance.

How and where do dates grow?

In North Africa, fruits serve as a substitute for bread. Date palms have fern-like leaves and grow in large clusters. Usually ripe berries are brown-red in color, but they are yellow, gray-blue, brown.

The pulp is fibrous, sweet. When ripe, the bunches are cut and dried in the sun. This is how the well-known dried fruit is obtained. They are brought to Russia from Israel, Syria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Morocco, but Saudi Arabia is considered the leader.

Selection recommendations

How to choose high-quality dates, simple tips will help:

1. Pay attention to the color of the fruit. They cannot be light, greenish. Quality products have a uniform dark color.
2. It is important to check the integrity of the packaging. It must be tightly closed without damage. In this case, the fruits are stored much longer, and the product will also be fresh.
3. The general appearance of the product plays an important role. The dates should not be hard, it is important that they do not shine.
4. How to choose the right dates? The skin should not be cracked if naturally dried. And this disadvantage appears when drying in an oven to speed up the process. They are good to eat but taste different from a properly prepared product.
5. Make sure the product is fresh. It should not have a fermented odor and wrinkled appearance. Such signs indicate storage problems.
6. The fruits should not stick together. If sugar crystals are present, the dates are treated with syrup for additional sweetening.
7. How Do I Pick Good Dates? The fruits should not be greasy. They have no stickiness and slipperiness, they are pleasant to the touch and non-greasy.
8. It is advisable to choose fruits with seeds. They are lightly processed and therefore considered useful.

If you are interested in how to choose dates, then the above nuances should be taken into account. Quality products will be tasty and healthy. Products are sold in markets and in stores, both by weight and in packages.

Storage

You need to know not only how to choose dates, but also how to store them. They need a cool room, so it's best to place them in the refrigerator. In this case, the container should be closed tightly so that no foreign smell penetrates.

If it is necessary to store dates for a short time, they are left at room temperature. The main thing is that they are not affected by the rays of the sun.

Storing fresh dates

These products are kept in the refrigerator. It does not need to be washed beforehand. The fruits are placed in a paper bag or wrapped in paper. For fresh food, a temperature of 0 degrees is sufficient. These conditions are usually found on the shelf under the freezer. To prevent the entire batch from rotting, you need to check it regularly. If it was of excellent quality before being sent to the refrigerator, then it can be stored for about 2 months.

Pressed dates

Room temperature is suitable for them, since they are processed under special conditions by pasteurization. To prevent the product from drying out, it must be wrapped in paper or a bag. Then it should be placed in a dark, cool place with no light. The shelf life is usually on the packaging. It is believed that they can lie for a long time, it is advisable to use them within a year.

What is processed?

To determine which dates to choose, you should find out about their origin, production method. The best is a product that has matured naturally. In this case, it dries up on the palm tree. To speed up the procedure, heat treatment is performed in chambers and ovens.

Products can be soaked in sugar or glucose syrup. Such a product will not be harmful, but there is little benefit from it. With syrup, dried fruit becomes sweet and nutritious. Sulfur dioxide is rarely used. How to choose untreated dates? This is usually stated on the packaging.

How to wash?

The products are washed before use. This must be done, since it is not known exactly where and how they were processed. You will need clean warm water. You can soak the fruit for 20 minutes, then drain and rinse again. Even if the product has not been processed, it does not hurt to rinse it to clean it of dust and dirt.

Dates in cooking

Dates are consumed in their pure form, with water, tea and other drinks. Also different dishes are prepared from them. The fruits are used as a basis for sauces and gravy. They are used to prepare salads, stews, pilaf. Delicious and healthy drinks are prepared from them.

Dates as a care product

Dates contain many valuable ingredients for outdoor use as well. They are known in the world for their excellent action on the skin, the extract remarkably rejuvenates it at the cell level.

Date pits are used to prepare face masks. To evaluate their properties, you need to grind a few, mix with olive oil until smooth. After that, the product is applied to the skin of the face, and then it must be washed off. The results are visible almost immediately. If done regularly, you can achieve clean, smooth skin.

Healthy recipes

Date broth is used for prolonged coughing. To prepare it, you will need 6-7 fruits, which must be poured with milk (1 glass), boiled for 10 minutes. After cooling down, the drink can be consumed, and the fruits can be eaten. It is better to do this at night.

For constipation, the following composition is useful: 10 fruits need to be cut, butter (0.5 tablespoons), warm up, add black pepper, and then mix everything. Everything is consumed on an empty stomach.

There is a recipe for getting rid of anemia and fatigue: 10 dates, ginger (0.5 tablespoons), cardamom, saffron. In a glass dish, everything must be mixed and shaken. It needs to be put in the shade for 14 days, and you can use it in the morning. With insomnia, neuroses, dates are eaten with milk.

Thus, dates are valuable foods. In order for them to bring the maximum benefit to the body, you should choose them correctly. Therefore, the above recommendations will definitely come in handy for those who care about their health.

Dates have been known to mankind for 6 thousand years. Since ancient times, people consume palm fruits with pleasure, and the passage of time only helps in this. Today on sale you can find dates covered with sugar glaze or chocolate, evaporated, dried, dried, canned. This variety encourages many people to look for information that will help them choose the right dates.

Where do the dates come from?

The best quality fruits can be obtained only from the growing area. Dates from importing countries are brought to store shelves and markets. Among them, the most popular are Algeria, Iran, Tunisia, Israel, Egypt, South Africa.

how to choose the right coconut in the store

The benefits of dates

1. Dates have the ability to remove phlegm from the respiratory tract, so they are often used for colds. For a long time, treats were given to children to fight coughs, children like this option.
2. Fruits increase the immune system, make up for the lack of nutrients during the spread of viral infections. In this case, it is enough to prepare a decoction of dates and use it in 100 ml. three times a day.
3. Dates are used to improve tone and vitality. It is useful to eat them for people who have recently undergone a serious operation or illness. Dates help you recover faster.
4. Date palm fruits have a fairly high calorie content. But this aspect does not stop people from introducing dates into their diets. Natural saccharides support mood and help you stay on track with weight loss.
5. Dates are often used to fight inflammation in the body. Thanks to its bactericidal and antipyretic properties, you can quickly overcome colds, sore throats, flu and other infections.
6. The product is endowed with laxative properties, therefore it is often introduced into the diet of people suffering from constipation. When dates enter the body, they begin a massive cleaning of feces and toxic substances.
7. A fruit-based decoction perfectly removes excess water and has a choleretic effect. Against this background, liver function improves, swelling disappears, blood pressure decreases.
8. The main valuable qualities are due to the accumulation of potassium and iron. The first element supports the heart muscle and cleanses the blood vessels from cholesterol. The second one is to prevent anemia in adults and children.
9. Dates control blood pressure, or rather, lower it. It is useful to eat them with sharp surges. Also, the fruits improve mental activity, so they need to be eaten by people who work with their heads.
10. Interestingly, dates are allowed for people with diabetes. The composition contains natural saccharides that do not affect insulin performance. But, of course, the reception should be strictly limited to small portions.

how to choose a ripe pineapple

How to choose dates

1. Appearance. The surface of quality dates is matte and the shade is dark brown. If you notice a shine, it may indicate a colorless syrup coating. This move is done in order to hide some defects in appearance and make the product appetizing. During transportation and sale, such dates are covered with dust and can be dangerous to humans. Touch the fruit to make sure there is no glaze. Your finger should not stick to the surface.
2. Integrity. Avoid buying cracked dates. They are endowed with harmful microorganisms that penetrate the damaged skin. Make sure there are no rounded holes in the surface. Otherwise, these dates will be soggy inside. They can also contain bugs or insect larvae.
3. The bone. If possible, buy fruits with a stone, since with this choice the risk of overdrying is minimized. Whole-shaped dates are more juicy and healthy. They are rarely infested with parasites and mold caused by improper storage or transportation.
4. Density. Many people wonder which date is better - soft or hard? The density of high-quality fruits is average; when pressed, the surface is quickly restored. The softer fruits are overripe, and the harder ones are unripe.
5. Aroma. Smell the selected product. You shouldn't smell chemicals or gasoline. Otherwise, this means that the fruits were processed with harmful substances. These impurities can be detrimental to health. Good dates have a neutral odor.

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Eating and storing dates

1. Many people do not attach importance to the fact that all dried fruits must be washed before consumption. A fairly large number of harmful bacteria accumulate on the surface of such products.
2. It would be another matter if you were picking fresh fruits from trees. Dates, on the other hand, are processed industrially. The fruits are picked with dirty hands, dried in the open air among the dust. Dates are sometimes trampled and harvested with shovels.
3. Even high quality products need to be sprayed with boiling water for sterilization. Ready-made dates are covered with vegetable sugars, to which absolutely everything sticks.If you suspect that the fruit has been treated with chemicals, it is better to soak the product in hot water.
4. Get in the habit of cutting the fruit into 2 parts and taking out the pit. Make sure there are no worms in the food, then you can start your meal. In most cases, dates are affected by a moth.
5. In this case, it is worth purchasing a little more product in order to feast on it. It is recommended to store dried fruit in a refrigerator in a food container with a sealed lid. Dates are good at absorbing odors. The product can be stored in the freezer for up to 5 years.

When choosing, pay special attention to appearance. The casing must be intact and matte. Do not overuse the product so as not to face a number of troubles. Be sure to heat the fruit before eating.

how to store dates at home

Video: choosing dates

Dates have been known to mankind for 6 thousand years. Since ancient times, people consume palm fruits with pleasure, and the passage of time only helps in this. Today on sale you can find dates covered with sugar glaze or chocolate, evaporated, dried, dried, canned. This diversity prompts many people to look for information that will help them choose the right dates.

Where do the dates come from?

The best quality fruits can be obtained only from the growing area. Dates from importing countries are brought to store shelves and markets. Among them, the most popular are Algeria, Iran, Tunisia, Israel, Egypt, South Africa.

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The benefits of dates

1. Dates have the ability to remove phlegm from the respiratory tract, so they are often used for colds. For a long time, treats were given to children to fight coughs, children like this option.
2. Fruits increase the immune system, make up for the lack of nutrients during the spread of viral infections. In this case, it is enough to prepare a decoction of dates and use it in 100 ml. three times a day.
3. Dates are used to improve tone and vitality. It is useful to eat them for people who have recently undergone a serious operation or illness. Dates help you recover faster.
4. Date palm fruits have a fairly high calorie content. But this aspect does not stop people from introducing dates into their diets. Natural saccharides support mood and help you stay on track with weight loss.
5. Dates are often used to fight inflammation in the body. Thanks to its bactericidal and antipyretic properties, you can quickly overcome colds, sore throats, flu and other infections.
6. The product is endowed with laxative properties, therefore it is often introduced into the diet of people suffering from constipation. When dates enter the body, they begin a massive cleaning of feces and toxic substances.
7. A fruit-based decoction perfectly removes excess water and has a choleretic effect. Against this background, liver function improves, swelling disappears, blood pressure decreases.
8. The main valuable qualities are due to the accumulation of potassium and iron. The first element supports the heart muscle and cleanses the blood vessels from cholesterol. The second one is to prevent anemia in adults and children.
9. Dates control blood pressure, or rather, lower it. It is useful to eat them with sharp surges. Also, the fruits improve mental activity, so they need to be eaten by people who work with their heads.
10. Interestingly, dates are allowed for people with diabetes. The composition contains natural saccharides that do not affect insulin performance. But, of course, the reception should be strictly limited to small portions.

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How to choose dates

1. Appearance. The surface of quality dates is matte and the shade is dark brown.If you notice a shine, it may indicate a colorless syrup coating. This move is done in order to hide some defects in appearance and make the product appetizing. During transportation and sale, such dates are covered with dust and can be dangerous to humans. Touch the fruit to make sure there is no glaze. Your finger should not stick to the surface.
2. Integrity. Avoid buying cracked dates. They are endowed with harmful microorganisms that penetrate the damaged skin. Make sure there are no rounded holes in the surface. Otherwise, these dates will be soggy inside. They can also contain bugs or insect larvae.
3. The bone. If possible, buy fruits with seeds, since with this choice the risk of overdrying is minimized. Whole-shaped dates are more juicy and healthy. They are rarely infested with parasites and mold caused by improper storage or transportation.
4. Density. Many people wonder which date is better - soft or hard? The density of high-quality fruits is average; when pressed, the surface is quickly restored. The softer fruits are overripe, and the harder ones are unripe.
5. Aroma. Smell the selected product. You shouldn't smell chemicals or gasoline. Otherwise, this means that the fruits were processed with harmful substances. These impurities can be detrimental to health. Good dates have a neutral odor.

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Eating and storing dates

1. Many people do not attach importance to the fact that all dried fruits must be washed before consumption. A fairly large number of harmful bacteria accumulate on the surface of such products.
2. It would be another matter if you were picking fresh fruits from trees. Dates, on the other hand, are processed industrially. The fruits are picked with dirty hands, dried in the open air among the dust. Dates are sometimes trampled and harvested with shovels.
3. Even high quality products need to be sprayed with boiling water for sterilization. Ready-made dates are covered with vegetable sugars, to which absolutely everything sticks. If you suspect that the fruit has been treated with chemicals, it is better to soak the product in hot water.
4. Get in the habit of cutting the fruit into 2 parts and taking out the pit. Make sure there are no worms in the food, after which you can start your meal. In most cases, dates are affected by a moth.
5. In this case, it is worth purchasing a little more product in order to feast on it. It is recommended to store dried fruit in a refrigerator in a food container with a sealed lid. Dates are good at absorbing odors. The product can be stored in the freezer for up to 5 years.

When choosing, pay special attention to appearance. The casing must be intact and matte. Do not overuse the product in order not to face a number of troubles. Be sure to heat the fruit before eating.

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Video: choosing dates