What’s the Best Date?

by Iyath Adam, Photo credit: @azerbaijan_stockers/Designed by Freepik

Dates or ‘kadhuru’ as it is known in Dhivehi, is a staple food on our breakfast tables during Ramadan. Known for its high fibre, energy boosting healthy sugars and antioxidants, dates are the ultimate powerhouse fruit!

But did you know that not all dates are made the same?

That’s right. Like all types of fruits, dates also have multiple cultivars or varieties which have varying appearances, taste, and nutrient profiles.

Here, we bring to you all about five types of dates which are probably most commonly eaten in the Maldives during Ramadan.

Ajwa

Ajwa dates are often referred to as the ‘holy dates’ due to their religious importance in Islamic culture. Grown exclusively in Media, Saudi Arabia, these dates are small in size and dark brown or black in colour with a heavily wrinkled surface. They have a soft texture and a mild, caramel-like sweetness to it.

Due to their small size, Ajwa dates are relatively lower in calories per piece with moderate amounts of natural sugar and are a good source of dietary fiber.

Safawi

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Also originating from Medina, Saudi Arabia, Safawi dates are known for their dark colour and slightly dry texture. Their texture depends on how wrinkly they are; the more wrinkled, the chewier. Their semi-dry nature makes them great for long-term storage too.

Safawi dates are a good source of natural sugars that provide a quick energy boost, with high iron content, along with dietary fibre that supports digestion – making them extremely suitable for people with anaemia as well as diabetes.

Sukkari

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Sukkari dates, as the name suggests – derived from ‘sukkar’ meaning sugar in Arabic – are known for their incredible sweetness.

Grown mainly in the Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia, Sukkari dates are golden brown in colour with a slightly wrinkled skin and crispy outside. On the inside, it’s soft,  juicy and has a honey-like flavour profile.

Due to their high natural sugar content, these dates are perfect to be enjoyed as a healthier alternative to processed sugar – but don’t eat too much as the sugars make them high in calories too!

Medjool

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Often referred to as the ‘king of dates,’ Medjool dates are large, plump, and range in color from amber to dark brown. They have a soft, sticky texture with a rich, caramel-like flavour.

Medjool dates are naturally high in calories and natural sugars, making them a great source of quick energy. They also contain a good amount of fibre, which supports digestion and helps keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Khudri

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Khudri dates are another popular variety from Saudi Arabia and Egypt, known for their smooth, dark brown colour and chewy texture. These dates have a moderate level of sweetness, making them a great choice for those who prefer a less sugary date.

Like other dates, Khudri is a good source of natural sugars and dietary fibre, providing a quick energy boost and digestive health support.