Dates
Date Palm
Discover the timeless allure of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), a slender and elegant tree gracing arid and tropical regions, especially the Middle East. With soaring heights of up to 75 feet and feathery blue-green fronds, date palms stand as icons against desert backdrops.
Their pièce de résistance is the delectable date fruit, transitioning in color as it ripens, from vibrant red to amber and rich brown. Dates, nature’s candy, are celebrated for their honeyed sweetness and are enjoyed fresh or dried.
Harvested at varying ripeness stages, dates offer a spectrum of culinary delights. Fresh dates are plucked slightly firm and moist, while dried dates linger until they reach full ripeness and dehydration. From desserts to savory dishes, dates showcase their culinary versatility.
Beyond taste, dates offer abundant nutrition – natural sugars, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These ancient fruits have been revered for supporting digestive health, enhancing energy, and providing antioxidants for overall well-being.
Date palms hold cultural and economic significance, symbolizing resilience and abundance in arid lands. Explore the legacy of this iconic tree, celebrated for its historical, culinary, and nutritional value.
Iran boasts a rich variety of dates, cherished both locally and internationally for their unique flavors, textures, and qualities. Here are some prominent Iranian date types: Mazafati, Piarom, Zahedi, Kabkab and Kalouteh.
Mazafati Dates
Mazafati Dates, renowned as the most delectable variety in Iran, boast a shiny black to dark brown appearance. They are characterized by their tender, fleshy texture and delicate skin. What sets them apart from other Dates is their rich syrupy interior. Mazafati Dates typically exhibit a relatively higher moisture content, which can vary from 14% to 25% depending on the harvest time and cultivation region.
Harvest location: Kerman, Sistan and Baluchestan
Harvest season: Aug – Oct
Package size: 12x(600-800) gr, 30×200 gr
Shelf life: 2 years
Storage temperature: +3 to +7 C
Zahedi Dates
Zahidi dates are medium-sized and distinctly oval. They have a pale brown skin encasing a thick, golden inner flesh enveloping a single seed. In contrast to the widely celebrated Medjool variety, Zahidi dates have notably lower sugar levels. They exhibit a chewy, semi-dry texture and offer a delicately sweet, nutty, and buttery flavor with a subtle hint of tang reminiscent of dried apricots. Harvest location: Bushehr |
Kabkab Dates
Kabkab dates are sizable, boasting a soft, sweet, and velvety texture with a delightful taste. They are known for their nectar-like sweetness and versatility in various food industries and bakeries. These dates come in shades of black and brown, whether pitted or unpitted, and typically contain less than 18% moisture.
Harvest location: Bushehr
Harvest season: Aug – Oct
Package size: 12x(600-800) gr, 5 kg, 10 kg
Shelf life: 2 years
Storage temperature: Room temperature for less than 6 months and more than that +3 to +7 C
Kalouteh Dates
Kaloute Dates exhibit a reddish-brown to black hue and offer a semi-soft, chewable texture. While their appearance resembles Mazafati Dates, they are characterized by a milder sweetness and a slightly firmer texture. Despite their similarities to Mazafati Dates, Kaloute Dates are available at a more affordable price point. The moisture is between14-17 %.
Harvest location: Kerman
Harvest season: Aug – Oct
Package size: 12x(600-800) gr, 5 kg, 10 kg
Shelf life: 2 years
Storage temperature: +3 to +7 C
Piarom Dates
The Piarom Persian date, known as the Maryam date, is a large date variety featuring light brown or black skin and minimal water content, typically below 15%. Renowned in Iran as the “Chocolate date” due to its chewy texture.
Harvest location: Hormozgan
Harvest season: Aug – Oct
Package size: 12x(600-800) gr, 30×200 gr, 1 kg
Shelf life: 2 years
Storage temperature: +3 to +7 C