Saudi Arabia is the guest of honor at the Fancy Food Show in New York and is showing off a selection of date varieties. Here, we explore six found in the country.
Ajwa
Grown mainly in Madinah, Ajwa dates are soft, dark and mildly sweet. They are among the Kingdom’s most prized varieties.
Sukkari
Often called the “queen of dates,” from the Al-Qassim region, they are golden, tender and renowned for their rich, caramel-like sweetness.
Khalas
Popular in Al-Ahsa Oasis, they have a balanced sweetness and soft texture, making them ideal to have with Saudi coffee.
Sagai
Recognizable by their two-tone appearance, they combine a crisp golden top with a softer brown base and honey flavor.
Khudri
These medium-sized brown dates have a chewy texture and subtle sweetness, making them a popular everyday choice.
Safawi
Another specialty of Madinah, they are deep brown to black, soft and richly flavored, and are enjoyed both fresh and dried.
