Date Varieties and Their Characteristics
Sukkari
Sukkari dates are exceptionally sweet and have soft flesh with a golden-brown skin color.
Taste and Texture
Sukkari dates are very sweet and caramel-like. The skin is often quite firm, but the flesh is very juicy and soft.
Nutrients
Sukkari dates primarily contain vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, fiber, magnesium, potassium, and iron.
Storage
They should be stored in the refrigerator (2 to 8°C) or freezer (-18°C).
Processing
They can be processed in smoothies, energy balls, or used in baking. However, they also taste particularly good plain or filled with nuts and chocolate.
Mabroom
Mabroom dates are firm and offer moderate sweetness and a mild flavor.
Taste and Texture
Moderately sweet with a mild flavor. Firm and slightly sticky consistency. Their taste is reminiscent of apricots.
Nutrients
Mabroom dates are particularly rich in calcium, fiber, potassium, iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese.
Storage
They should be stored in the refrigerator (2 to 8°C) or freezer (-18°C). Bring to room temperature before consuming.
Processing
Mabroom dates taste best when eaten plain, allowing them to slowly melt on the tongue. Due to their firmness, they are difficult to process.
Sagai
Sagai dates have a mild, sweet taste, a light color, a dry texture, and tough flesh.
Taste and Texture
Sagai dates are mildly sweet, caramel-like, and have a dry texture with tough flesh.
Nutrients
Sagai dates are particularly rich in calcium, fiber, potassium, iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese.
Storage
They should be stored in the refrigerator (2 to 8°C) or freezer (-18°C). Bring to room temperature before consuming.
Processing
Sagai dates taste very good when filled with nuts or paired with earthy cocoa/coffee flavors.
Safawi
Safawi dates are soft, black, and deliciously sweet.
Taste and Texture
Safawi dates are sweet and aromatic. Their consistency varies between soft and firm, depending on harvest time.
Nutrients
Safawi dates are particularly rich in calcium, iron, fiber, potassium, magnesium, copper, and manganese.
Storage
They should be stored in the refrigerator (2 to 8°C) or freezer (-18°C). Bring to room temperature before consuming.
Processing
Due to their firmness, they are best enjoyed plain and pair particularly well with tea and coffee.
Ajwa
Ajwa is a black date and moderately sweet.
Taste and Texture
Ajwa dates taste less sweet and are instead spicy and aromatic. Their consistency is firm.
Nutrients
Ajwa dates are particularly rich in calcium, iron, fiber, potassium, magnesium, copper, and manganese.
Storage
They should be stored in the refrigerator (2 to 8°C) or freezer (-18°C). Bring to room temperature before consuming.
Processing
Due to their firmness, they are best eaten plain or covered in chocolate. It is especially recommended for pregnant women in the final stages to eat Ajwa dates daily.