Dates are one of the most nutritious fruits possessing natural sweetness and numerous health benefits. Initially known to be cultivated in the Fertile Crescent between Egypt and Mesopotamia as early as 4000 B.C., its exact origin is uncertain. Dates are now widely grown across North Africa, Middle East, and South Asia. There are more than 600 varieties of dates in different shapes and flavours. Their colour, size, texture, and sweetness greatly vary. Hence, date fruits are commonly categorised into 3 types – soft like Kholas, semi-dry like Khidri, and dry like Ajwa.

Such a high number of date varieties makes it challenging to answer the question many people are asking themselves before buying dates – what is the best date variety?

Although having a difference in size, shape, and flavour profile, one thing that is common between all date varieties are the level of nutrition. Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fibre, dates are a powerhouse of nutrients. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude which date variety is the best, comparing it from a nutritional point of view. Depending on their taste and flavour profile, everyone has a personal favourite. The Ajwa date variety is especially prominent in the world.

Why are Ajwa Dates so popular?

Grown exclusively in Medina, Saudi Arabia, Ajwa dates are the most expensive date variety in the world. They are cultivated in limited quantities and celebrated as the ‘Holy date’ as per Islamic tradition. Ranging from dark brown to black in outer appearance, Ajwa dates are soft and delicious with a prune-like flavour and tend to be considered as a dry variety. This date type boosts muscle development, mental health, and immunity. Each bite of the Ajwa date enhances digestive health, heart health, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the chance of stroke.

The value of Ajwa dates differ based on size and quality. On average, Ajwa dates are sold around . Bateel’s Ajwa dates are a genuine delight for date connoisseurs all over the world – they are cultivated in our organic farms in the heart of Saudi Arabia with the traditional farming methods applied. You can also discover other date varieties from Bateel by reading about 7 types of dates.

I think we need to add a line saying Bateel also cultivates Ajwa dates in their farms to give context.

Maybe we add a small line here to direct the reader to learn more about other date varieties and link to our webpage – ‘Seven date varieties’

Where are dates sourced from?

Date cultivation and farming is spread across many countries; however, it is highly successful in areas with long hot dry summers, mild winters, and no rain throughout the fruit ripening season. Considering the volume of production – the best dates come from the Middle East and North Africa. According to a report published in 2019, the top date producing countries includes Egypt (1.7 mil metric ton), Saudi Arabia (1.5 mil metric ton), Iran (1.3 mil metric ton), Algeria (1.1 mil metric ton) and Iraq (639 kg). As the environmental conditions of cultivating dates are crucial for its quality, dates grown in Saudi Arabia are the finest quality dates and are difficult to find overseas. In contrast, dates from Egypt are heavily exported and are much easier to obtain.

How to pick the ‘best’ dates?

A fruit that varies in colour, size, texture, and form demands careful consideration. Dates have a high sugar content, and, like bananas, their sweetness increases as they ripen. A wrinkled exterior, plump appearance, and a somewhat glossy shine indicate that a date is fresh and ready to eat. Wrinkles are acceptable, but it is best to avoid dates that have dried to the point of being hard to the touch. Good quality dates should look and feel distinct from one another as compared to being squished into a mushy date pack. Keep in mind that fresh dates should not be wrapped in plastic since air circulation is critical. They will mold if wrapped in plastic. As a result, most of the dates available in supermarkets are dry.

Discover organic dates from Bateel

Renowned as the world’s only gourmet date grower, producer, and seller, Bateel offers 7 dates varieties available all year. Over 100,000 date palm trees thrive in the historic green valleys of the Tuwayq Mountains, which are nestled in a rich oasis in Saudi Arabia’s Al Ghat region. Each Bateel date possesses a distinct flavour owing to the climate and naturally flowing sweet water used for irrigation. Bateel produces 100% organic dates using the best farming practices and age-old cultivation techniques. Every year, Bateel harvests approximately 3,000 tonnes of high-quality dates. These are handpicked by expert farmers at the peak of the season. Dates are carefully preserved after harvesting to prevent additional ripening and to seal their flavours. Harvested utilising sustainable farming practices, each Bateel date promises excellence and premium quality. They are a natural superfood rich in fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins, with proven health benefits. For an unparalleled gifting experience, Bateel offers rich organic, gourmet dates presented in ballotines, wooden gift boxes and elegant carton packaging.