10 Best Types of Dates in Saudi Arabia

There are around 3,000 types of dates in the world but Saudi Dates are known to be the best dates, it is one of the best fruit to eat. There are different types of dates available in the Saudi market such as Ajwa, safawi, khudri or amber dates and therefore, choosing one of them could be a difficult decision.

For the connoisseurs who might want to experience most of the Saudi Dates available, here are the 10 most sought-after types of dates with pictures.

Best Types of Dates in Saudi Arabia

• Best Types of Dates in Saudi Arabia
  • Ajwa Dates
  • Amber Dates
  • Safawi Dates
  • Barhi Dates – Yellow type of date
  • Saghai Dates
  • Khudri Dates
  • Sukkari Dates
  • Zahidi Dates
  • Medjool Dates
  • Kholas Dates
• Where can we buy the best types of dates in Saudi Arabia?
• Dates and the culture of Saudi Arabia
• Top 10 Dates Producing Countries in the World
• FAQs

1. Ajwa Dates

Dates are the best fruit to eat and Ajwa dates are the best among all the varieties of dates. The Ajwa dates are sweet and smooth. It is undoubtedly one of the best dates in the world among all the types of dates available.

According to a Hadith of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), the Ajwa khajoor has healing properties, and it is also said that those who consume 7 Ajwa dates in the morning will be safe from poison and magic until the evening.

Ajwa dates are also considered one of the most expensive dates in the world although they are not that expensive in Saudi Arabia.

The price of Ajwa dates ranges from SR 35 to SR 100 ranging from lower quality to best quality dates.

• Amber Dates

Amber is larger than other types of dates and is the favorite of many date lovers as they have a smaller seed and more fruit. These dates contain protein, are brown in color and one of the best dates to eat in the world.

If you are planning to get a premium gift for your loved ones back home, a pack of Ambar Dates could be a perfect choice.

Moreover, Ambar dates are considered one of the most expensive types of dates in the world although they are not that expensive in Saudi Arabia. It is available in the Saudi market for around SR 50 to SR 100 per kilo ranging from low to best quality dates.

• Safawi Dates

Safawi dates are usually black in color and packed with vitamins. This type of date is normally cultivated in Madina and is of soft texture.

These types of dates also have healing properties attributed to them and contain a high number of minerals. It is reported that if safawi dates are consumed on an empty stomach, they can kill any stomach worms present.

Due to their healing capacity, these dates are considered the best dates to eat in the world. There are three classifications of dates; dry, semi-dry and soft, Safawi dates are of the semi-dry type.

• Barhi Dates – Yellow type of date

The name Barhi is derived from Arabic meaning “a hot wind”.  Barhi Date belongs to a different type of date group as it is known to be yellow color and has a crunchy texture. When the fruit is ripe, it tastes of brown sugar or caramel.

Barhi Dates is one of those types of dates that are sold with the thin branches attached (see the picture below). Yellow Barhi dates are a rich source of fiber, iron, potassium, B-vitamins, flavonoids, and antioxidants. 

Barhi Dates are cultivated in Saudi Arabia; however, the best dates to eat of this type is found in Basra, Iraq. The people who do not like sweet dates rank Barhi dates among the best dates to eat in the world.

Barhi dates are considered one of the most expensive types of dates in the world although they are not that expensive in Saudi Arabia. During the season, Barhi dates can be bought for as little as SR 20 per kilo while in offseason, the prices go up to SR 50 per kilo depending upon the best to the low quality of dates.

• Saghai Dates

Saghai is one of the best dates to eat out of numerous types of dates cultivated in the Riyadh region. It also has a crisp texture which makes it a little crunchy to eat.

The Saghai dates are of light yellow to brown color. Although the texture may appear to be wrinkled, they never flake. It is one of those types of Saudi dates that are mild in sweetness yet due to the combination of crisp and softness, they are one of the best dates to eat.

1. Khudri Dates

Khudri Date is of dark brown color and has a dry texture. Like all other dates, this type of dates is also sweet. Despite the fact that it is one of the best dates to eat, diabetic patients avoid it owing to the high amount of sugar.

Khudri dates are one of the most exported types of dates due to the reasonable prices and their freshness (see picture below). This Saudi date is ideal if you want to feel energized and refreshed.

Khudri Dates are filled with fiber, potassium, magnesium amongst a load of other vitamins and minerals and they all just can’t wait to reboot your whole system and therefore, it is considered the best dates to eat.

• Sukkari Dates

The name of Sukkari dates is derived from “Sukkur” which in Arabic means Sugar. As the name suggests, like many other types of dates they are very sweet to eat and people who like desserts treat Sukkari one of the best dates to eat.

Sukkari date is cultivated in Al Qaseem region. They are of crisp texture and sweet to taste. This type of dates is used to prevent tooth decay, lower cholesterol and get rid of any fatigue.

Sukkari date one of those types which is eaten fresh as well as in the dry form. People who like to eat hard dates, prefer Sukkari in the dry form. It is one of the widely used date fruit in South Asia.

• Zahidi Dates

Zahidi Dates has a golden color and is of oval shape. The skin is thick and has a dry texture with high fiber content which makes it the best dates fruit. In contrast to Medjool dates which are high in sugar, Zahidi dates are one of those types which contain considerably low sugar content.

As you know there are many types of dates that are soft in texture but Zahidi dates are known as the “butter date” for both its light flavor and pale tan color (see picture below). 

• Medjool Dates

Medjool was known as the Queen of dates, they are large and have a strong flavor with a soft texture. It is one of those types of dates that are often used to make smoothies and can be served all year round.

Medjool dates are high in calcium and iron, one serving of dates also provides you with 20% of your daily dietary fiber. Considering the high level of sweetness in Medjool dates, diabetic patients try to avoid it nevertheless they are one of the best dates to eat.

Moreover, Medjool dates are considered one of the most expensive types of dates in the world although they are not that expensive in Saudi Arabia where their price varies from SR 25 to SR 70 ranging from the low to the best quality dates.

• Kholas Dates

Kholas dates are considered one of the best varieties of dates produced in Saudi Arabia. This caramel-flavored date type is usually consumed with Arabic coffee and have a sticky texture.

Without a doubt, they are one of the best types of Saudi dates to eat with a cup of Arabic Coffee. This type originates from Al Kharj and Qaseem regions.

Where can we buy the best types of dates in Saudi Arabia?

After reading about the types of dates available in Saudi Arabia you must be craving to eat some of them as Saudi dates are considered the best in the world. If you want to buy any type of date in Saudi Arabia, the best place is the different markets of Madina. We have given the map location of some of the renowned markets where you can buy almost every type and quality of dates.

Central Dates Market

Although date shops are available all around Madina and you can buy from any of them. The Central Dates Market is situated near Masjid Ghamama in Madina and it is specialized for selling dates.

If you exit the Masjid al Nabawi from gate 5, you will find it within walking distance. It is a big market and you can find almost every type of date here at an affordable price.

• Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JAHU3Zjyimu9DBBWA

Madina Parking Space

If you want to buy dates cheaper than what is available in the shops around Masjid al Nabawi, you can go across King Faisal Road near Madina Parking Space and buy almost every type of dates available in Saudi Arabia from there. As they are a bit away from Madina, so their rates are cheaper.

• Location: https://goo.gl/maps/P22a21eyAfsUq62v6

Mount Uhud

Every Muslim who visit Madina come to Mount Uhud as it is one of the most frequently Ziyarat places in Madina. You can find almost every type of date we have mentioned above from the temporary shops available around the place.

• Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xnc6xaZGykeEYinC7

Dates and the culture of Saudi Arabia

Dates are an integral part of the Saudi culture as it is part of their daily diet. You will find Saudis and generally Arabs eating dates on the following two occasions.

• In almost every office in Saudi Arabia, Arabic qahwa is presented to guests along with different types of dates. Saudis drink Arabic qahwa almost every single day along with dates.
• During the month of Ramadan, the consumption of dates increases by many folds. Every Muslim in the world loves to break the fast with dates as it is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W

Top 10 Dates Producing Countries in the World

As we have already discussed different types of dates produced, consumed and sold in Saudi Arabia, now it is the time to know the countries which are well-known in producing dates. A total of 8.5 million tons of dates are produced in the world and here are the top 10 dates producing countries.

• Egypt

According to the Food and Agriculture organizing of the United Nations, Egypt is at the top of the countries that are producing dates. Egypt produces around 1.7 million tons of dates on an annual basis which makes around 20% of world production. The most common type of dates is Hayany and Zaghloul.

• Iran

Iran comes at number 2 among the top dates producing countries with 1.1 million tons of annual production. Around 13% of dates consumed all around the world are produced by Iran. The most commonly produced dates in Iran are Mazafati dates.

• Algeria

Algeria produces 1 million tons of dates annually and stands on the third number after Iran. Thoory, Iteema, and Deglet Noor are mostly produced in Algeria. They have a production share of around 12% in the whole world.

• Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is ranked at number 4 among the dates producing countries around the world with around 1 million tons of production. Although Saudi Arabia is ranked at number 4 in the quality of dates the dates produced in Saudi Arabia are considered the best in the world.

Its well-known production includes Ajwah which is well known and has many benefits. Besides Ajwa, Khubaizi, Khalash, Rotab, and Madjool are also the types of dates produced in Saudi Arabia. Around 11% of the dates eaten worldwide are produced in Saudi Arabia.

• The United Arab Emirates

After Saudi Arabia next comes the UAE among dates producing countries. UAE produces about 671,000 tons of dates. The most famous types of dates produced in the UAE are Dabbas, Lulu, and Khenaizi.

• Iraq

Iraq comes after UAE that produces around 615,000 tons of dates annually. Khastawi, Amir Hajj, and Dayri are mostly produced in Iraq.

• Pakistan

Although the list of top dates producing countries is occupied by the Middle Eastern countries, Pakistan is the only South-Eastern country in the list with around 500,000 tons of production.

• Sudan

Sudan produces 439,000 tons of dates that include Bireir, Barkawi, and Abid Rahman.

• Oman

Every year Oman produces 348,000 tons of dates. The most famous type of dates produced in Oman is “Fard”.

• Tunisia

With 241,000 tons of dates production, Tunisia is the biggest exporter of dates. The most commonly produced dates type in Tunisia are Deglet Noor, Touzerzayet, Kenta, and Ftimi.

FAQs

How many types of dates are there?

There are more than 3,000 types of dates around the world. The 3,000 varities of dates vary in their size, type, texture, taste, sweetness and benefits.

Which type of dates are good for health?

Generally, all types of dates are beneficial for health as they contain natural fiber, minerals, vitamins. Among all dates, Ajwa is called the King of Dates due to its amazing health benefits.

Are dates as bad as sugar?

There is 70% to 80% sugar in the composition of dates. One date carries as much as 60 to 70 calories due to which people often believe that it is as bad as sugar. However, we should not disregard other amazing benefits of dates.

How many dates should I eat a day?

One piece of whole date contains around 2 grams of fiber. An average man should aim to get 38 grams of fiber while women should plan for 25 grams. In short, you can take 3,4 dates on a daily basis.

Are dates good for weight loss?

Generally, people don’t recommend dates for weight loss due to lack of knowledge. Dates are rich in iron and fluorine content which assist the weight loss process. It is quite fine to eat 3,4 dates a day while you are dieting.

Which country has the best dates?

Although Saudi Arabia is not the biggest producer of dates, yet Saudi dates are known to be the best in the world. Especially Ajwa and Amber are exported at premium rates.

What the most expensive date?

Ajwa and Amber dates are considered the most expensive dates. Ajwa has numerous health benefits and it is in high demand and Amber is loved for its size and softness.

Can we eat dates at night?

Studies show that eating dates during the day time produce vital melatonin which help you sleep at night.

Can we eat dates on empty stomach?

It is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to eat dates to break the fast. Latest research has proven many benefits of eating dates on empty stomach.