Saudi Arabia is known as a huge market for dates, their diverse varieties, and their unique flavor. Dates also hold a distinct value for Saudis as a source of hospitality and welcome. In this article, we will shed light on the various types of dates in Saudi Arabia.
Types of dates in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is known for its diverse range of dates, a staple of Saudi hospitality. In the following lines, we'll explore the various types of dates.
- Barhi: It is a seasonal date, characterized by a soft, thin, yellow skin. It is best eaten fresh.
- Al-Khudari: This is one of the largest and most common types of dates. It is characterized by its dark red skin and rubbery core. It is also considered an exportable type.
- Sukkari: It is considered one of the sweet dates that is grown in Qassim, in addition to its shiny golden color.
- Ajwa dates: They are a distinctive type of Saudi dates, and are also the highest in quality and most widely distributed.
- Al-Saqai dates: These are famous dates, characterised by their intermingling colours of yellow and red.
- Anbara dates: They are among the most famous and finest dates in the Kingdom, in addition to being among the most expensive. They are distinguished by their large size, small seeds, and distinctive red color.
- Safawi: One of the finest dates grown in the Kingdom, it is known for its large size, dark color, and soft texture, making it used in luxury products.
- Barhi dates: This variety is widespread in many Arab countries. It is distinguished by its orange-yellow color and soft texture and flesh. This variety is mostly used in desserts and baking.
- Barni: This type is used in traditional dishes such as date sweets and date syrup. It is known for its small, oval size and dark brown color.
Types of dates and their names
Below we will list the types of dates and their names in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
1. Soft dates
It is one of the most famous types of dates, known for its soft and smooth texture, and is also grown in the oasis region.
2. Semi-dry dates
This type of date has a less sweet taste and a rubbery texture.
3. Dried dates
It has a hard and tough texture and is mostly used in cooking and food.
The best names of dates in Saudi Arabia
- Date palm.
- Barni dates.
- Green dates.
- Amber dates.
- Barhi dates.
- Ajwa dates.
- Safawi dates.
- Khalas dates.
- Sugar dates.
- Ampera dates.
- Saqi dates.
- Blonde pass.
- Umm Al Hamam dates.
- Sincerity dates.
- Al-Halia dates.
- Dates of pride.
- Date of prophecy Ali.
- Majnaz dates.
How many types of dates are there in Saudi Arabia?
Dates are an important symbol of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and eating dates with Arabic coffee is a staple form of hospitality in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia is the third-largest date-producing country in the world, resulting in a diverse range of varieties available on the market.
Experts have indicated that there are more than 300 varieties of dates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, distinguished by their marked differences in color, taste, texture, consistency, and uses.
The best types of dates in Saudi Arabia
Dates in the Kingdom are diverse, and there are many high-quality varieties, which experts classify as among the best types of dates in the Kingdom. This list, which we will explain, is based on what was issued by the National Center for Palms and Dates.
1. Sugary dates
It is considered one of the best types of dates in the Kingdom, distinguished by its golden brown color. It is also known for its sweet, sugary, and soft taste, and is widely found in Al-Qassim.
There are various grades of this type of dates, such as:
- Luxury twisted dates.
- Royal twist.
- First class twisted dates.
- Second degree twisted.
2. Khalas dates
It is considered one of the excellent and high-quality types. This type is grown in (Al-Qassim, Al-Hasa and Al-Kharj). It is also known for its yellow color and is available in two forms: (Rutab and Tamer).
This variety retains its unique flavor for a long time, and is often served with coffee as a treat in Saudi homes and gatherings.
3. Al-Saq'i
This variety is available in Al Kharj Governorate and is known for its distinctive shape and color, which is a mixture of red and yellow. In addition to its strong nutritional value, it is free of white sugar and contains fruit and grape sugar.
4. Medjool dates
This type of date is grown in the Hail region as the finest type of date. It is known for its high fiber content and large size, equivalent to three other dates. It has a sweet taste similar to honey.
5. Shishi dates
This variety represents the 50% date variety of the Kingdom's production, produced in Al-Ahsa Governorate. It is known for its extremely sweet taste, large size, and yellow-brown color.
The most expensive types of dates in Saudi Arabia
Anbara dates are the most expensive dates of all, for several reasons, the most important of which is their rarity. Therefore, they are considered valuable gifts with a unique meaning among Saudi families. They are also called “dates of kings” due to their high price and quality. This type is distinguished by its large fruit and small seed, and its color tends toward red. Its taste is known for its intense sweetness and delicious sugar.
The finest types of Saudi dates
Dates are known for their high nutritional value and various health benefits. However, there are many different types and shapes of dates, and their benefits vary. Therefore, we will learn about the healthiest types of dates in the following lines.
1. Ajwa dates
This type is also called "Madinah dates" due to its cultivation in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. This type is known for its great health value, and it also maintains its validity for a long period without changing its value or taste.
2. Ruthana dates
This is a rare and unique type of fruit, combining moisture, softness, and dryness. It is characterized by its high and important health value. This type is grown in the qassim area, and some leave it to dry completely to extend its storage life.
What is the least sugary type of dates?
Many people prefer to eat dates that are lower in sugar, for several health reasons, such as:
- diabetes.
- Follow a diet.
- personal taste
Therefore, we will shed light on the types of dates with the lowest sugar content, according to what research and studies specialists have indicated.
- Saq'i dates are known for being free of harmful white sugar, and contain 40% of fructose and grape sugar.
- Shaqra dates are one of the types that are free of any white sugar or harmful sucrose. Rather, they contain 311 TP3T of grape sugars and also 321 TP3T of beneficial fructose.
- Khalas dates are an important type of date that is lower in sugars, as they do not contain any white sugar or sucrose, and they contain 39% of glucose and 38% of fruit sugar.
- Maktoum dates are completely free of white sugar, and contain up to 35% of fruit sugar and 33% of grape sugar.
- This type of date has the lowest sugar content, as it does not contain any white sugar or sucrose, but it does contain 28% of both grape and fruit sugars.
The best types of dates for diabetics
Because dates have so many health and body benefits, many people are keen to eat them to enjoy their benefits. However, diabetics face the risk of eating the wrong type. In this section, we will answer the most common questions about the type suitable for diabetics.
Barhi dates.
- Green dates.
- Salvation dates.
- Safawi dates.
- Safri dates.
- Ajwa dates.
- Amber dates.
As for those that are not suitable for diabetics, they are as follows:
- Sugar dates.
- Shishi dates.
- Saq'i dates.
The best types of Iraqi dates
Iraq is known as one of the largest palm-growing countries and also boasts some of the finest dates on the market. Below, we'll present a list of the best dates in Iraq.
- Al-Zahdi dates.
- Deiry dates.
- Ikhstawi dates.
- Burji dates.
- Ahlawy dates.
- Green dates.
- Maktoum dates.
- Sayer dates.
- Barban dates.
- Ashrasy dates.
- Fertile dates.
- Jabjab date.
- Medjool dates.
- Maryam dates.
- Sweet Mountain Dates of Iraq
- Ibrahimi dates.
- Brim dates.
- Defecation dates.
In the end, we have provided all the information about the types and names. Dates In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and everything related to the finest dates.
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