A fruit that has been around for a lengthy time and has a rich culture, the date has been consumed for over 8000 years. Grown initially throughout the Middle East, dates are being grown across other regions, like the U.S., North Africa, and Asia. The dates result from many palm trees, which must be carefully controlled and hand-pollinated to pick the most desirable dates.
They are a sacred fruit of the Middle East, so much so that the palm of a date is considered the “Tree of Life.” According to historians, dates are among the most ancient fruits whose cultivation dates back around eight thousand years. There are 200 types of dates, each with distinct shapes and flavours, but each is similar in its nutritional value. In this article, we’ll talk about the different types of dates (most famous ones).
Different Types of Dates
Mazafati dates
Mazafati dates are an additional Iranian date type. They fall under the category of wet dates because they contain the highest moisture content. This is among the qualitative indicators of Mazafati dates. Fresh dates, picked in September, where it tend to have the most moisture. Based on the moisture level, there are three kinds of Mazafati date: fresh dates are characterized by around 30% moisture. Semi-dry dates range from 20% to 25%, while dried dates contain 16% moisture.
Mazafati dates are dark and covered with thin, smooth skin that is quickly removed. They taste very sweet and could be used as a substitute for sugar. A unique feature of Mazafati dates is that they are rich in iron compared to other dates, which can encourage healthy hair development. Apart from iron, Mazafati dates contain calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which help develop the nervous system and lower cholesterol. They also contain calcium, minerals, potassium, magnesium, vitamins B, A complex, and C.
Kimia dates
Kimia dates can be found in the southern part of Iran. They are especially frequent in Bam, a city located in Kerman province. Kimia dates are considered higher quality, so they’re usually expensive compared to other dates. It could be worthwhile, especially if you intend to give the fruit away or have it served at an event.
Kimia dates begins in a dark purple hue but becomes dark as it ripens. Its skin tends to be thinner than other dates because of its higher moisture content. Kimia dates have a meaty and soft texture. The level of water content in a date is determined by the time it’s taken, which could be any time between the beginning of August up to October. Due to the softness of Kimia dates, they can be blended quite effortlessly in a blender, and they’re a good choice to sweeten smoothies.
Medjool dates
Medjool dates are among the most sought-after kinds due to their sweet flavour and bigger dimension. Like other dates, Medjool dates can be described as the fruit of palm trees. The variety used is indigenous to Morocco, and, more recently, it’s grown in different parts of the globe, like those in the U.S., the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. Since they’re typically dried, Medjool dates are less sticky and softer than other types of dates, making them much easier to utilize in certain recipes. Furthermore, Medjool dates contain more sugar than Deglet Noor dates and a great deal of fibre. This can be a powerful aid in maintaining a healthy digestive.
Medjool dates can be used for dishes like roasted dates and pancetta, as the soft texture of the fruit stands out nicely against the crisp pancetta and almonds. Moreover, their sweet flavour makes for a perfect combination with spicy pancetta.
Deglet Noor dates
Deglet Noor is probably the most popular date type in terms of its firmness. Deglet Noor dates can be used in various ways and is a great addition to many recipes, from exquisite dining food to bakery goods and traditional dishes. Deglet Noor dates can be amber or yellow and have dry, firm flesh. Deglet Noor dates are ideal for preparing date sugar syrups or baking pastes.
Barhi dates
Barhi dates were a previously unnoticed type of date. Originating from Iraq and are part of the subgroup of soft dates. Barhi dates are cultivated in the U.S., in the Californian Coachella Valley, where date palms flourish because of underground water sources. Barhi dates are most well-known because of their similarity to Butterscotch candy once they are ripe. However, they have a lot of flavours as they mature.
Barhi dates come in three maturing phases, each having a distinct taste and texture. The unique thing about them is that they can be eaten at all stages of maturity. The term khalal means semi-ripe and has a nutty, slightly astringent and sour taste that can be added to salads. The rutab stage represents the stage of semi-ripeness, during which the date have the consistency of a cream. The dates are used during this time to sweeten pastes, syrups, sauces, and wines. The same stage is where the date has matured fully; in this stage, when sweetness is the best, it develops a distinctive caramel taste.
Zahidi dates
Zahidi dates is highly valued as landscaping. Additionally, they keep their shape, and they can be exported. Zahidi dates originated in Iraq. However, nowadays, they’re cultivated throughout Djibouti, Chile, India, Syria, and the U.S. Zahidi dates have a medium-sized, rounded form, golden in colour that is both delicious and sweet. The texture of Zahidi dates is a bit dry and chewy; its flavour is sweet and reminds of dried Apricots.
Zahidi palms can produce up to 136,000 kilos of dates annually, making this one of the largest date palms. Because of its chewy texture, Zahidi date is great to bake since it retains its shape after cooking. Additionally, they can be used in sweet and savoury dishes since they’re not as sweet as the other types. For example, you can make sesame almonds with the delicious buttery flavour of the Zahidi dates, which is deliciously paired with almonds and sesame.
Health Benefits of Dates
There are numerous significant health benefits associated with dates. However, it’s crucial to remember that no food item is the ultimate cure-all.
Antioxidants Properties
The dates are a fantastic source of antioxidants. They are naturally occurring chemicals that protect against damage from free radicals (unstable elements that harm cells).
Indeed, a previous study discovered that dates, which are dried fruits and vegetables, had the highest levels of polyphenols (form of antioxidant). As antioxidants, polyphenols can protect against cancerous conditions, such as diabetes, neurological diseases, and cardiovascular disease.
It May Improve Gut Health
Dates are an excellent source of fibre from the diet that aids digestion and prevents constipation.
May Improve Heart Health
Also, dates can boost heart health thanks to their nutrition characteristics, specifically the high content of antioxidants, fibre and other nutrients. Fiber also plays a part in controlling cholesterol levels.
In addition, it is worth noting that the combination of potassium and magnesium in dates may give you cardiovascular advantages.
A Sugar Substitute
Dates could be included in desserts, such as brownies and cakes, or used to replace refined or added sugar. Even though they’re very sweet, Anderson-Haynes explains they’re also a low-glycemic food. This makes an excellent snack.
Conclusion
Iranian dates can be an ideal choice if you’re starting an active, healthy lifestyle and want to improve your energy levels during your daytime meals. Dates are rich in Iron and natural Sugar and are an excellent food for your body. Persian dates are a fantastic source of many nutrients like Calcium and Magnesium. Potassium and Vitamins like Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, etc. Do not miss this healthy dried fruit. Add it to your diet every day.
