AJWA DATES
Ajwa dates represent a date fruit variety that is very popular in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia. They originate from Medina in Saudi Arabia and carry spiritual meaning. Ajwa dates come in darker shades than medjool dates or Deglet Noor dates, as they are blackish and round. Their texture is firm, and the taste is reminiscent of chocolate, amber, and caramel. Ajwa dates are rich in potassium and fiber. They also contain folate and riboflavin and can be moderately consumed by people with diabetes.
Ajwa dates are smaller and less sweet than medjool dates, so they probably won't provide as much sweetness when used in smoothies. However, add them to a strawberry banana smoothie if you prefer something less sweet. You can also use them to sweeten Columbian medium-roast black coffee or Moroccan mint tea. Or, if you want a sweet snack that is also healthy, try some ajwa dates with a few pieces of dark chocolate. You can store ajwa dates in an airtight container for up to three months or keep them in your fridge for up to six months.
MEDJOOL DATES
Medjool dates are among the most popular varieties because of their sweeter-than-average taste and larger size. Like other dates, medjool dates are the fruits of palm trees. This variety is native to Morocco, but nowadays, it is grown in many other parts of the world, such as the U.S., the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. As they are often sold dried, medjool dates are softer and stickier than other date varieties, which makes them easier to use in specific recipes. In addition, medjool dates contain more sugar than Deglet Noor dates, and they also pack lots of fiber, which makes them an excellent ally in promoting healthy digestion.
DEGLEET NOOR DATES
Deglet Noor is probably the best-known date variety, as their firm texture makes them easier to use in cooking than medjool dates. This date is versatile and can be integrated into many recipes, from fine dining dishes to simple bakery products or traditional cuisines. Deglet Noor dates can be yellow or amber and have firm, semi-dry flesh. The Deglet Noor date is ideal for making date sugar, syrups, or baking pastes and can also be used in cookies as it maintains consistency.
HONEY DATES
Honey dates is the generic name given to a soft date fruit variety with sweet tones resembling honey. The numerous honey date fruits share a few taste, texture, and color features but also differ in some aspects. For example, they can have a light caramel color or deep brown hues, are softer than most date varieties, and have a buttery texture. Most importantly, their mild taste is reminiscent of honey and can range from a bitter, molasses-like flavor to wildflower honey.
Honey dates are a great natural sweetener for cookies, cake batter, ice cream, and oatmeal. Due to the soft texture, they will melt into caramel sauce. Honey dates work well when paired with chocolate, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, butter, coconut, orange, ginger, and dark rum. They can also be used for savory dishes when paired with poultry, pork, and bacon. You can even use honey dates to sweeten pancakes and brownies.
PIAROM DATES
Piarom dates are an Iranian date variety from the mountain region in the country's south and are known internationally as chocolate dates. Because the palm tree that produces them only grows in the mountainous regions, there are few areas where they can be planted, which makes piarom dates one of the most expensive date varieties you'll find. These dates are usually harvested from October to November. Piarom dates are dark brown, with a thin skin and chocolate flavor. Piarom dates have fewer calories than other date varieties, which makes them a good option for people with diabetes.
Piarom dates can be consumed alone but can also become part of some delicious dishes. They have a low moisture content, meaning they have a longer shelf life when stored in an airtight container. Use them to sweeten your morning cereal, puddings, bread, cakes, and cookies or for a healthier ice cream twist. Piarom dates are also used to make date sugar, which presents certain benefits compared to sugar cane sugar.
MAZAFATI DATES
Mazafati dates are another Iranian date variety. They belong to the wet date category, as they have high moisture content, which is one of the quality indicators in mazafati dates. Fresh dates, harvested at the beginning of September, tend to retain the highest moisture levels and are the most expensive. Depending on the moisture levels, there are three types of mazafati dates: fresh dates have about 30% moisture, semi-dry dates have 20-25%, and dried dates have 16% moisture.
Mazafati dates are usually black and have thin skin, which can be easily removed. The taste is very sweet, and they can act as a sugar substitute. Another unique quality of mazafati is that they pack more iron than other date types, which can promote healthy hair growth. Aside from iron, mazafati dates contain phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium and are beneficial to developing the nervous system and lowering cholesterol. They also have many calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins, such as A, B complex, and C.