
Saudi Arabia is home to a wide variety of date palm trees, which produce the best types of dates. The Kingdom is the world’s third largest producer of dates.
Dates are a symbol of hospitality and generosity in Saudi Arabia. They are a standard staple in every Saudi house, which are served with coffee to welcome guests.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, dates are vital to the Kingdom’s economy. The flag of Saudi Arabia features a date palm set between two crossed swords.
Nutritional Benefits
Dates are rich in fiber and antioxidants, and contain some very important vitamins and minerals. They are very rich in potassium, which is helpful in muscle recovery and can aid in regulating blood pressure.
Date also contain essential minerals and vitamins, including calcium, copper, magnesium, vitamin K and vitamin B. They have various types of antioxidants that can reduce the risk of several diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes.
Moreover, dates can help improve brain function, lowering inflammation and preventing plaques from forming in the brain, which may be helpful in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
Some studies have shown that eating dates daily during the last months of pregnancy can promote natural labor.
Types of Dates
Saudi Arabia boasts growing more than 300 varieties of dates. Each type has its unique texture and flavor.
Dates can be stuffed with nuts or dried fruits, or mashed and used in many pastries and cookies. They are also a main ingredient in many savory dishes. Yet, eating dates plain remains the preferable choice for most Saudis.
Saudi Arabia cherishes dates by organizing festivals and carnivals that highlight the significance of this nutritious fruit and promote hundreds of high-quality varieties of dates.
Here is a look at the some of the best types you must try:
Ajwa Dates
Ajwa is a famous date variety originating from Madinah. It has a very dark brown color, with a soft and chewy texture. Ajwa has a prune-like and sweet flavor with hints of cinnamon, caramel, and honey.
Barhi Dates
It is one of the most popular and tasty dates in Saudi Arabia. Distinguished by its yellow color, Barhi dates are best enjoyed fresh, rather than dried.
Khalas Dates
They are a variety of premium quality known for its unique sweet flavor and rich, creamy texture. Khalas dates have a medium size and their color range from golden brown to dark brown when ripe.
The fruit has a soft and moist flesh, making it suitable for fresh consumption and for use in desserts and traditional dishes.
Khudri Dates
Khudri dates are very common in Saudi Arabia. They are often served for hospitality in shops and hotels. They are also the most commonly exported dates.
They are large, dark red dates with a sweet, flaky outer skin and a chewy flesh. They can be eaten plain or stuffed with nuts or cream.
Mabroom Dates
They have a light red to bronze skin and a candy-like texture. Mabroom dates flavor is mildly sweet, smooth, and pleasant, with a lingering hint of toffee.
Safawi Dates
Safawi dates have a wrinkled skin and a deep black color. They have a sweet flavor and a soft, moist, and chewy texture. Safawi dates are available most of the year.
Sagai Dates
It is a very popular date variety in Saudi Arabia. Sagai dates are distinguished by having a golden color and dry texture at the upper part, while the rest of the fruit is brown and soft.
Sagai dates have a mildly sweet flavor and a soft and crunchy texture.
Sukkary Dates
Having a unique golden color, Sukkary dates are one of the sweetest and softest variety of dates. When dried, a crunchy layer of crystallized sugar forms on the outside, while the interior of the fruit remains soft and caramel-like.