Also, the most popular types of dates to choose from.
It’s less than a month to Ramadan 2023, and people across Abu Dhabi and the UAE are prepping to celebrate.
The Holy Month is a time of prayer and introspection for those observing the festival when the faithful do not eat or drink during daylight hours, which is meant as a spiritual ritual to purify the soul and focus one’s attention on God.
That aside, Ramadan is an extra special time thanks to the wonderful meals before and after fasting hours and the ensuing quality time it promises with your family.
Prior to sunrise, of course, there’s also the all-important light meal called Suhoor, followed by some incredible Iftars which break the fasting period at dusk.
While these lavish spreads are definitely full of traditional offerings, beverages, and in some cases, even hubbly bubbly – there is great care taken to ensure a nourishing and complete meal to avoid risks of dehydration.
While changes in working hours and a general shift in daily routines can make it difficult to stay true to authentic traditions, the consumption and significance of dates in the Holy Month of Ramadan is one practice that remains strong.
A Ramadan Tradition
Breaking our fast with dates is a long-observed custom, first spotted in Hadith literature. It is written that the Messenger of Allah would break his fast with ripe dates before he would pray, lending the practice a spiritual significance.
Apart from that, dates also have special importance in the Middle East as they have been cultivated in the area for thousands of years owing to the conducive climatic conditions.
However, there are multiple other reasons to choose dates while breaking your fast. High in sugar and vitamins such as potassium and magnesium, they are also excellent sources of fibre and carbohydrates.
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Fasting can often lead to mild health conditions like low blood sugar, headaches and lethargy, especially when combined with manual labour or a physically exhausting commute. The nutrients found in dates tackle the conditions and also provide an additional source of energy.
If all the lavish spreads cooked at home and served at hotels are anything to go by, there is no dearth of rich foods one can savour during both Iftar and Suhoor. However, dates help ease digestion and prevent an upset stomach while indulging after a long period without eating.
Dates galore
While dates are loved and consumed by fasting Muslims across the globe, there is a particular reverence for them in the Middle East. So much so, that the date palm is regarded as the ‘Tree of Life’.
Many historians believe that dates can be traced back at least 8,000 years ago, with over 200 varieties if not more.
While the nutritional values might be similar, the myriad of different shapes and flavours makes for an interesting pick, particularly during Ramadan when it comes to gifting family and friends.
Subject to availability and region, the dates differ in sweetness, appearance, how long they will keep, etc. While exploring the entire list might take us a while, here are 14 of the most popular dates you can find in the market today that are perfect for a satisfying treat and, of course, to break your fast during the Holy month of Ramadan.
Medjool Dates
These dates are interestingly the only ones crowned ‘the fruit of kings’. Native to Morocco, these beauties are sweet with the taste of chewy caramel, originally consumed exclusively by royals and believed to alleviate tiredness.
Piarom
Higher in sugar and sweeter than most, Piarom date palms are some of the best semi-dry varieties. Also known as chocolate dates at times, these dates are a species of Iranian date palm and are generally considered high-quality. Bigger than other types, their skin is dark brown, smooth and plump, making it an easy spot.
Deglet Noor
Originally from Algeria, the organic Deglet Noor dates were first introduced to California at least a century ago. They come from the same family as the Mejdool kind, i.e, from Phoenix dactylifera. Unlike them, however, these dates are semi-dry and much less sweet making it less of a condiment and more a part of whole dishes. They’re also the most popular date offering in the United States.
Mazafati
Extremely popular in Iran, Mazafati (mozafati and Bam date; also called muzati in Balochi) dates are dark, soft, fleshy and of medium size. Popularly used in cakes, these dates have a distinct flavour as compared to other varieties. Owing to its high moisture content, it is also not particularly considered a dried fruit.
Barhi
In 1913, Barhi Date fruit was introduced from Basra, Iraq. The meaning of the name is possibly associated with the hot summer winds (“bahr”) at Basra. In 1946, there were approximately 900 Barhi palms, all in Coachella Valley.
Rabbi
Rabbi dates are extremely famous, as you guessed, in Iran! They have an elongated shape and the skin has a reddish hue. They’re extremely famous in Sistan and Baluchistan provinces and cultivated in Chabahar, Saravan, Iranshahr, Zabol and Khash. Generally harvested in September, they’re semi-dry and have a long shelf life too.
Thoory
Known as ‘bull’s date’ or ‘bread date’, these dates are extremely firm, almost pastry-like in texture. Naturally dry, these Algeria-originated dates have a semi-sweet, peanut-like, nutty flavour similar to cashews. With more of a yellow to light-brown hue, they’re fairly easy to spot and just the thing if you’re looking for something less sweet!
Sayer Dates
These dates are generally grown in large quantities, with the trees reaching nearly 10 metres in height. While its place of origin is unknown because of its long cultivation, the suspected places of origin are around the Middle East and Persian Gulf. Sayer dates are oval-shaped, dark brown and considered semi-dry dates with a soft texture.
Dayri Dates
A semi-dry date variety originating from southern Iraq, they’re also referred to as ‘The Monastery date’. Dayris have a strong flavour named for Dayr and have similarities to the Medjool, but less sweet. With a relatively coarse texture, they are also moisture-resistant.
Halawi
Now here’s a popular variety among date enthusiasts and otherwise alike. Literally meaning sweet in Arabic, these amber-coloured dates originally come from the date trees in the deserts and farms of Iraq. In terms of flavour and texture, they’re very similar to caramel, and can be had both by themselves or as part of a full dish!
Sukkari
Sweet, crispy, and one of the higher-end varieties, Sukkari or Sukkary dates are considered to be both very nutritious and great for healing. The name comes from ‘Sukkur’ or sugar in Arabic. This variety is also called the ‘Queen of Dates’, appreciated for its golden, light, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Khudri
Think typical date flavours, and you’ll find that in Khudri dates. Moderately sweet, they are chewy but not too dry. You can spot them as the type to have a smooth dark brown colour but not too wrinkly. Their skin flakes a little and comes in both small and large sizes.
Zahedi
Zahidi dates are a rarer type of date that is characteristically medium-sized and distinctively oval in shape. Also known as a ‘Ghasab date’ in several parts of Iran, they turn golden amber in colour when ripe, and are an ideal choice for exporting since they keep long. Classified as both dry and semi-dry, they have pale brown skin and a thick, golden inner flesh that surrounds a single seed.
Safawi
When someone returns from around Al-Madina with dates, you know you have the Safawi kind. These Saudi Arabian speciality dates are of a soft, semi-dried date variety, characteristically identified by their particular deep black colour, length, and medium size. They share similarities with Ajwa dates, especially in terms of taste.
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