Types and varieties of dates

The common or palm date (Phoenix dactylifera) is one of the varieties of date palms from which dates are harvested. Today, dates are grown in many countries such as Tunisia, India, Mexico, Israel, South Africa, Pakistan, Australia, the southern states of America and others.

To date, more than 500 different varieties of dates are known and grown. They can be eaten raw, dried or dried. They are often used as one of the components in the preparation of jams, syrups, creams, desserts, jams, various types of pastries, sauces, fruit and vegetable salads, there are even recipes for alcoholic beverages (for example, the Tunisian liqueur Tibarin) with these fruits.

From the moment of pollination to full ripening of the date palm fruit, it takes approximately 200 days. But you can harvest the fruits much earlier. Depending on the degree of ripening, several types of dates are distinguished.

Kimri - dates are initially creamy and quickly turn green. The fruits at this stage contain approximately 85% moisture. Due to the significant amount of tannins, dates have a tart, bitter taste. At the kimri stage, they cannot yet be eaten, they are used exclusively for various technical purposes.

Khalal - the berry of this species is already beginning to ripen, although it remains firm. The color changes, it becomes red or yellow. The astringency decreases, but the bitterness is still there, despite the increase in the amount of sugars. There are varieties of dates that can be harvested at this stage.

Rutab - the stage of maturation of dates, which occurs 5-7 weeks after the halal species. The tips of the fruits darken, the fruits themselves lose weight, the pulp becomes softer and sweeter. The moisture content decreases and is approximately 35%. At this stage, a large number of varieties are harvested. The dates reach the state of final ripeness a little later in the drying process.

Tamer - this stage occurs approximately three weeks after the rutab stage. It is at this time that the main harvest of the ripe crop takes place. The fruit has a moisture content of approximately 20%. At this time, the dates are already very tasty, gaining sugar content.

Date fruits have different moisture content. Depending on this parameter, the following types of dried fruits are distinguished.

• Hard or dry dates - 18% moisture.

• Semi-solid (semi-soft) - moisture content is 18-22%.

• Soft dates - moisture over 23%.

In some cases, only two varieties are distinguished, depending on the level of humidity: soft and semi-soft fruits, as well as hard ones.

There are many varieties of dried fruits. The description of each of them gives an idea of ​​a significant variety and allows you to choose the most suitable for specific purposes.

Soft and semi-soft types are used either fresh or dried. They contain a little sugar and a significant amount of moisture. Soft varieties are very popular in Europe.

Sukkari (Sykkari) is called the queen of dates. The homeland of this variety is Saudi Arabia. These berries can be of a dark or light shade, while light-colored dried fruits are preferred. Soft and highly aromatic dates are small in size, cone-shaped, dark yellow in color, with a very sweet taste. The skin of the fruit is very thin. Used at all stages of ripening, they are best preserved when frozen.

Deglet Nour variety is rightfully recognized as one of the best in the semi-soft species category. The birthplace of Deglet Nur is Tunisia. In the modern world trade in dates, this variety accounts for about 90%. Sometimes sold directly on the branches. It is a late variety. Palms bear fruit very well, just one tree can produce from 95 to 125 kilograms of dates during the year. The fruit has a honey color, elongated shape. The date Deglet Nur is translucent, in bright light you can see the bone, which has an average size (5-6 centimeters). The fruits are sugary and slightly crunchy with an unusual nutty aftertaste. They are often used for making baked goods and various types of desserts. A distinctive feature of Deglet Nur is a significant antioxidant effect.

Majhul (Medjoul) grow in Morocco, they are also grown in California and Israel. The berries are very large, they can reach up to 8 centimeters in length. Because of this, Majhul dates are called royal dates. They are dark brown in color with a thin skin and a caramel smell.

Freshly harvested hard fruits have a fibrous and rather dry texture. Ripening and subsequent drying processes make the fruits sweeter, but even tougher. These dates can be stored for several years.

Zahedi - this variety is very common in Iran. The advantage of Zahedi is the simplicity of separating the fruit pulp from the stone. Dates are quite large, they can reach 8 centimeters. They are sweet and have a nutty flavor. They are often used in cooking in the preparation of various oriental dishes.

The Al-Asila date palms are native to Saudi Arabia. The variety is very popular and most of the crop is exported. Palms bear fruit well, one tree can produce up to 200 kilograms of ripe fruit. They are relatively inexpensive and therefore are in high demand among consumers. Date Al-Asila weighing about 20 grams, yellow-coffee hue, length is about 5 centimeters. Before using it in cooking, it must first be soaked, and only then added to dishes.

At home, it is also possible to grow dates. For this purpose, it is necessary to purchase the Robelini dwarf palm. The main characteristic of this plant is its high decorative value. Cirrus leaves reach 60-100 centimeters in length, up to 100 plates can be located on one sheet. The fruits are small in size and do not have high taste, but they are quite suitable for consumption.

Berries of various varieties differ markedly in color, taste, shape, size of the fruit itself and seeds, and biochemical composition. The choice of a particular variety depends on the further use and personal preferences of the buyers.

There are approximately 300 kcal per 100 grams of dates. As a result, this product is not recommended for use by people with diabetes mellitus or those who are struggling with excess weight. Such consumers should pay attention to varieties with a minimum sugar content.

Dates have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, they are also beneficial for the cardiovascular system. In addition, due to their high vitamin C content, they can be used as a means of preventing colds, as well as to reduce the symptoms of colds.

Each variety of dates is delicious in its own way. Given the wide variety of varieties, anyone can choose the one that suits his taste.

You can buy this type of dried fruit in specialized stores, in the market, in the supermarket. In the supermarket, prices are the lowest, dates are sold in sealed packaging. At the same time, it is difficult to get a good look at the contents of the package, and the range is rather limited. In specialized stores, the choice is very wide, sellers do not deceive buyers, but the prices are quite high.

Some tips for choosing dates.

Manufacturer country. On the territory of Russia, you can buy fruits from Egypt or Iran. While abroad, it is better to pay attention to dates from Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates, which are quite difficult to acquire in Russia.

Specific grade. It is worthwhile to study the varieties in advance and choose the one that best suits the tastes and requirements. The buyer should know how they look, what size and shade.

Appearance. To buy, you need to choose only undamaged fruits, without any defects on the surface. The color should not be too light or light green - ripe fruits are evenly dark. Dates should not shine, stick together, or have cracked skin.

Package. When buying dried fruits in packaging, you need to make sure that it is intact. It should be tightly sealed and not damaged. This is the only way to keep the fruits much longer.

The presence of a bone. It is preferable to purchase fruits in which there is a bone. They are more juicy and less processed.

Dates are rich in fats, proteins, useful and nutrients, vitamins; in Islamic states they are used as an effective medicine. More than half of the weight of a single fruit is made up of various types of sugars. It is a delicious and very healthy fruit that can improve your health.