Dates are a fixture on iftar tables, with many Muslims traditionally breaking their fast with these sweet treats widely cultivated in the Middle East. There’s a multitude of date varieties, each offering up something different.
Deglet Noor
Known for its authentic date flavor, this is a semi-dry date that is usually used for cooking. Its name means “date of the light.” It is popular in Algeria, Libya and Tunisia.
Halawi
This is a sweet, honey-flavored date, which literally means “sweet.” One of the most beloved date varieties from the farms of Iraq, this has a thick, soft golden flesh.
Medjool
Large, sweet and succulent dates usually grown in North African countries, these play a big part in Moroccan cuisine. They have deep brown velvety skin and a caramel-like taste.
Zahidi
A rare type of date that has a golden hue and is said to originate in northern Iraq. It’s classified as semi-dry, which makes it good for cooking. Its name means “of a small quantity.”
Ajwa
This dark hued date variety is cultivated in Madinah. Some believe this date has healing properties.
Anbara
Sweet, brown and full of protein, these dates are the largest of the Madinah dates.
