Top 45 Dates
in the World

Native to Algeria, deglet nour is one of the most common date varieties consumed in the entire North African region. They are small in size, amber in color, and characterized by the nearly translucent meat and a sweet, nutty, and caramel-like flavor. Except in North Africa, they are cultivated in Israel and the United States, where they had been exported at the beginning of the 20th century. Even though they can be eaten plain as a sweet snack accompanied by tea or coffee, deglet nour are often incorporated in many traditional North African salads, pastries, and cookies.Expand

For 3,000 years, the farmers of Siwa Oasis in the Western Egyptian desert have been taking advantage of water in the desert in order to grow chewy Siwa Oasis dates. Three of the most important varieties are Siwi, Azzawi, and Frehi, but there are three more varieties which are produced in small quantities and are at risk of extinction – Ghazaal, Takdat, and Amnzou. The producers sell both fresh and dried dates. After the initial 10 years, each plant produces about 50 kilograms of these chewy treats per year. The maturation period of each type varies – Amnzou bears fruit in September, Azzawi and Siwi at the beginning of October, Ghazaal at the end of October, and Takdat between December and January. The producers harvest the dates manually by climbing the tree trunks with a belt. Dates are used in a variety of local dishes such as tarfant (bread, dates, and olive oil), tagilla (olive oil, flour, dates, and water), and elhuji (dates, olive oil, and eggs). During the month of Ramadan, dates are consumed in the evening to break the fast.Expand

Medjool dates are one of the most popular date varieties in the world, first cultivated in the Moroccan oasis Talifalt, and nowadays grown primarily in the Middle East (Israel being the main producer and exporter) and Northern Africa. They are larger and sweeter than other varieties and are often dubbed the "king of dates" due to their superior taste and versatility. The flavor can be described as caramel-like, the texture is chewy, and they are chock-full of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Medjool dates can be eaten on their own (fresh or dried) but can also be a part of various regional recipes, from porridges and desserts to stews, tagines, and pilafs.Expand

Ajwa is a famous date variety originating from Medina, Saudi Arabia. These dates are dark brown to almost black in color. The texture is slightly dry, soft, and chewy, while the flavors are prune-like and sweet with hints of cinnamon, caramel, and honey. The dates are packed with protein, dietary fibre, healthy fats, and vitamins such as A, B6, C, E, and K. During and after pregnancy, the consumption of ajwa dates improves blood circulation for mothers and babies. These dates are also known as holy dates and they hold a special place in Islamic tradition. Expand

Mazafati dates are a soft, dark variety of dates that come from Bam, a city in the Kerman Province of southeastern Iran. Known for their moist texture and rich, caramel-like sweetness, Mazafati dates have become one of Iran’s most famous agricultural exports. Their cultivation in the Bam region dates back hundreds of years, favored by the area's hot, dry climate and abundant underground water sources that support date palm groves even in arid surroundings. Historical accounts and local records suggest that date palms have been grown in this region for millennia, playing a role in sustaining communities both nutritionally and economically. Harvesting Mazafati dates typically begins in late summer and can extend into early autumn. Unlike many other varieties that are fully dried before packing, Mazafati dates are picked when they are fully ripe and retain a high moisture content. After harvesting, they are carefully sorted by size and quality. Because of their soft flesh, they are often stored in cool conditions to preserve freshness and prevent fermentation. The skin is glossy and thin, covering a dense, almost syrupy interior with a single pit inside. Mazafati dates are enjoyed as a snack on their own or paired with nuts like walnuts or almonds. They are also used in desserts, blended into smoothies, or served alongside cheese and bread. In Iran, they are a popular component of breakfast and are frequently offered to guests with tea. Their natural sweetness means they require no added sugar, making them a preferred ingredient for healthier confections. Beyond Iran, Mazafati dates have gained recognition in international markets for their quality and distinctive softness compared to drier date varieties. Their cultivation supports many farming families in the Bam region and contributes significantly to local trade. Today, they are exported worldwide and valued not only for their taste but also for their nutritional benefits, including fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making them a respected part of Iranian culinary heritage and an appreciated delicacy far beyond the region.Expand

Sukkary is a traditional Arabian date variety originating from the Al Qassim area. These are among the sweetest and softest variety of dates, often described as melt-in-the-mouth soft dates. Their color is golden, while the flavor is sweet and juicy. When dried, the dates become chewy and even sweeter, and there is some crunchiness near the stem. Sukkary dates are packed with energy, natural sugars, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. They're often referred to as royal dates due to their natural sweetness and golden color. Sukkary dates can be made into an interesting dessert when they're stuffed with cashews and sweet cream.Expand

Khudry or khudri is a traditional date variety hailing from Saudi Arabia. These dates are less expensive than most other varieties and they have a dark brown color and a cylindrical shape with wrinkled skin. The size ranges from medium to large. The texture is chewy (but not dry), while the flavor is moderately sweet with hints of caramel. The dates are eaten as they are or stuffed with walnuts, almonds, or cream. They're also packed with fiber, magnesium, potassium, and a load of other vitamins and minerals. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or black coffee.Expand

Barhi dates are a type of date fruit from Iraq that is small, round to oval, with curved and blunt edges, often with a stem still attached. They are considered one of the sweetest types of dates and can be consumed in all stages of ripeness: yellow and semi-ripe or khalal, fully ripe or rutab, and dried, wrinkled, and dark brown or tamr. The semi-ripe barhi dates are sweet, slightly astringent, and crisp. They are eaten fresh and are available only for a few weeks in August and September in markets in select dry and hot climates. As barhi dates mature and turn amber and brown, they become more dry, sticky, and creamy and now classify as rutab and tamr. They are used to prepare jams, spreads, pastes, shakes, and desserts. The name comes from the Arab word barh, which translates to hot wind, aptly chosen since hot winds that blow through Basra, Iraq, help dates to ripen. Expand

Piarom dates are a variety of premium Iranian dates cultivated mainly in the southern province of Hormozgan, particularly around the Hajjiabad area. Recognized for their slender, elongated shape and deep brown to almost black skin, Piarom dates are considered among the most sought-after types of dates grown in Iran and are valued for their rich taste and chewy texture. Their cultivation benefits from the dry, hot climate of the region, which contributes to their low moisture content and natural sweetness. The history of Piarom dates is linked closely with Iran’s long tradition of date cultivation, which stretches back thousands of years. Dates have been an integral crop in Persian agriculture and cuisine, serving as an important source of sustenance and trade. While many varieties are produced across the country, Piarom dates began to gain a distinct reputation over the past century as local farmers developed better techniques for harvesting and drying them carefully to maintain their quality. Today, they are considered a premium export product and often marketed as “chocolate dates” because of their soft flesh and rich flavor. Piarom dates are typically harvested by hand in late summer to early autumn when the fruit reaches full ripeness. The dates are then cleaned and graded to remove debris and select the highest quality examples. Because of their low moisture content, Piarom dates store well without requiring artificial preservatives, making them popular with consumers looking for minimally processed dried fruit. Before serving, they are often gently rinsed or wiped, though they can be eaten straight from the package. They are commonly enjoyed on their own as a snack, paired with nuts, or used in desserts and sweet preparations where their natural sweetness eliminates the need for added sugar. Beyond their culinary uses, Piarom dates are recognized for their nutritional profile, offering fiber, potassium, and natural sugars. In Iran, they are served alongside tea, featured on breakfast tables, or presented to guests as a gesture of hospitality. Their popularity has spread to international markets where they are sold as a specialty product appreciated for both flavor and visual appeal.Expand

Thoory dates are a type of Algerian dates that are firm, dry, and chewy, with a pasty-like texture which is why they got the nickname "bread dates". Given that these dates are very dry and have a hard outside, they keep for a long time and are a convenient snack for outdoor activities, and are often used in baking. In addition, thoory dates have a nutty taste and are also known as bull's dates.Expand

Bateel is a prestigious brand that has redefined the concept of dates, transforming them from a traditional Arabian fruit into a symbol of luxury and refined taste. Its origin lies in Al-Ghat, Saudi Arabia, where organically cultivated plantations with tens of thousands of palm trees are located. Founded in 1991, the brand opened its first boutique in Dubai, marking the beginning of its international expansion. Bateel combines traditional cultivation methods with modern processing and packaging techniques, creating products that unite natural authenticity with elegance. The dates are hand-picked, carefully selected, and packaged immediately after harvest to preserve their freshness and nutritional value. The most renowned varieties include Khidri, Medjool, and Segai, while the brand is particularly known for its filled dates. Its approach blends the cultural heritage of the Arabian Peninsula with contemporary principles of international gastronomy. In doing so, Bateel has become an ambassador of Arabian tradition in a modern, global context.Expand

Yala Dates is a modern Saudi brand established in 2010, specializing in the cultivation, processing, and export of high-quality dates with a focus on sustainable and organic production. Its plantations are located in the Al-Qassim and Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah regions, renowned for their fertile soil and dry climate that provide ideal conditions for palm growth. The company follows a vertically integrated approach - from planting and harvesting to processing and packaging - ensuring complete quality control and product traceability. Yala offers a wide range of varieties, with particular emphasis on organically and naturally grown dates. Thanks to its innovative methods, Yala Dates has become one of Saudi Arabia’s leading date exporters to the global market. The brand’s combination of organic cultivation, refined flavor, and reliable quality makes it an ideal choice for delicatessens, restaurants, and premium retailers worldwide.Expand

Les Délices Majhoul is a Moroccan family-owned brand specializing in the cultivation and export of organic Majhoul (Medjool) dates, grown in the renowned Tafilalet region, the cradle of date palm cultivation in Morocco. The company operates a 200-hectare plantation in the Boudenib area, home to more than 22,000 organic date palms, combining traditional expertise with modern agricultural technology. Les Délices Majhoul dates are known for their rich flavor with notes of honey, caramel, and dried fruit, as well as their soft, juicy texture that distinguishes them in the premium organic market. The company blends family heritage, innovation, and social responsibility, offering its employees safe working conditions and social benefits. Its production process involves minimal processing and careful packaging to preserve the natural aroma and nutritional value of the fruit. Thanks to its combination of organic farming, exceptional quality, and sustainable business practices, Les Délices Majhoul has become a symbol of modern, responsible, and luxurious date production.Expand

Nafea Farm is a family-owned plantation located near Medina, Saudi Arabia, specializing in the cultivation of the organic Ajwa date - one of the most prized and authentic varieties on the Arabian Peninsula. Ajwa dates hold deep spiritual and cultural significance, originating from the region traditionally associated with Medina, and Nafea Farm continues this heritage through a modern yet entirely natural approach to production. The plantation lies on sandy, mineral-rich soil, where the microclimate provides ideal conditions for the ripening of sweet, aromatic fruits. The dates are hand-harvested at full maturity, then carefully dried and packed without thermal processing to preserve their natural texture and flavor. The farm’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that Ajwa dates are a “gift of the earth and faith”- with their strength deriving from the natural harmony of soil, sun, and the hands that nurture them. As a result, Nafea Farm today stands as a symbol of authenticity, quality, and the spiritual heritage of Medina, recognized both locally and internationally.Expand

Jomara is a premium Saudi Arabian brand that combines the long-standing tradition of date cultivation with a modern approach to sustainable production and luxurious presentation. The dates are grown on organic plantations in an oasis near the Tuwayq Mountains, where the unique microclimate, fertile soil, and pure spring water create ideal conditions for palm growth. Each fruit is handpicked and carefully sorted to ensure exceptional freshness and natural sweetness. Jomara produces exclusively organic dates, free from pesticides and chemicals, with special attention devoted to preserving their nutritional value and authentic flavor. The product range includes a variety of types - from traditional plain dates to gourmet filled versions with pistachios, almonds, and candied orange peel. Through its sustainable and eco-conscious production methods, Jomara promotes the principles of healthy eating and natural sweetness. Their dates are rich in fiber, minerals, and antioxidants, making them one of the most valued natural superfoods. At the same time, the brand maintains a deep connection to the cultural heritage of Arabia, where dates hold both symbolic and everyday significance. By carefully blending tradition, quality, and innovation, Jomara has become a symbol of contemporary luxury rooted in authenticity.Expand

Taiba Brothers Farms is a family-owned farm based in Medina, Saudi Arabia, renowned for its long-standing tradition of cultivating palm trees and producing premium-quality dates. Its philosophy is built on heritage passed down through generations - from ancestors to descendants - guided by respect for nature and local traditions. The farm specializes in varieties native to the Medina region, most notably Ajwa and Safawi dates, prized for their rich flavor and high nutritional value. All fruits are grown naturally, without pesticides or chemical additives, and are hand-harvested at full ripeness to ensure maximum freshness and quality. Careful manual selection and minimal processing allow each date to retain its natural texture, aroma, and deep, glossy color. The climate of Medina, with abundant sunlight and mineral-rich soil, gives the fruit its pronounced sweetness and balanced minerality. The products are packaged in elegant, hygienically processed boxes designed for the premium market and export. Taiba Brothers Farms blends traditional farming methods with modern quality standards, creating an authentic brand that bridges spirituality, culture, and fine gastronomy. Their dates are now considered one of Medina’s most iconic products -— a true symbol of purity, tradition, and luxury.Expand

Nouri Dattes is a family-owned Tunisian company with a heritage spanning more than a century, founded in 1892 and specializing in the cultivation, processing, and export of Deglet Nour dates. The company is based in southern Tunisia, in oasis regions known for their ideal climate for date palm cultivation. The Nouri family owns its own plantations, ensuring full control over every stage of production - from harvesting and sorting to packaging and global distribution. The Deglet Nour variety forms the core of their portfolio, symbolizing the harmony between tradition, quality, and distinctive flavor. The fruits are light golden to amber in color, semi-translucent, and visually elegant, offering a rich yet balanced taste that blends honey and caramel notes. Nouri Dattes dates are celebrated for their delicate yet firm texture, natural sweetness, and refined aroma that distinguishes them among North African varieties. In addition to Deglet Nour, the company occasionally offers other Tunisian varieties intended for industrial and culinary use. Its packaging design highlights the elegance and authenticity of Tunisian origin, appealing to premium and gift markets. Today, Nouri Dattes stands as a symbol of genuine Tunisian quality, heritage, and export excellence, holding a prestigious position among the world’s leading date producers.Expand

Dar Tomoor is a family-owned Moroccan company specializing in the cultivation, processing, and export of 100% organic dates. The company is located near the city of Errachidia, in the Tafilalet region - considered the cradle of date palm cultivation in Morocco. The dates are hand-picked, carefully selected, and packaged without additional processing, preserving their natural sweetness, texture, and nutritional value. The fruits are large, with a dark golden to amber hue, thin skin, and a soft, juicy interior. Their flavor combines notes of caramel, honey, and dried fruit, while the texture offers a perfect balance between tenderness and firmness. In addition to direct sales, Dar Tomoor dates are exported to markets across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. The brand promotes family values, authenticity, and transparency, highlighting the story of generations dedicated to date palm cultivation. Its mission is to offer a product that combines exceptional quality with respect for nature. Dar Tomoor has become a symbol of the modern Moroccan approach to date production - a fusion of tradition, sustainability, and luxury in a single product.Expand

Alia Al-Madinah Farms is a renowned agricultural and tourist destination located in the heart of Medina, Saudi Arabia, combining traditional date cultivation with a modern approach to preserving cultural heritage. The farm spans vast areas covered with palm trees, situated near the Prophet’s Mosque, giving it a special symbolic and spiritual connection to the history of the region. At Alia Farm, the finest varieties of dates are cultivated, with Ajwa standing out as the signature type - known for its dark color, soft texture, and rich, complex flavor. The harvest is carried out by hand, following traditional methods and seasonal rhythms, while the fruits are carefully sorted and packaged to preserve their natural freshness. The farm is open to visitors, offering the experience of walking through dense palm groves and tasting fresh dates straight from the tree. This blend of agriculture and tourism makes it one of the few places where visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere of historical Medina. The land of the farm is considered part of historic waqf (endowment) estates, adding further cultural significance. The dates grown here are known for their rich taste that combines the sweetness of honey and caramel with subtle earthy tones. Thanks to Medina’s ideal climate and mineral-rich soil, the fruits achieve exceptional aromatic concentration. Alia Al-Madinah Farms thus stands as a symbol of authenticity, spiritual heritage, and sustainable cultivation. Its mission is to preserve the centuries-old tradition of date farming while presenting Medina as a center of genuine agricultural culture in Saudi Arabia.Expand

Qinwan Dates is a premium brand specializing in carefully selected Medjool and Ajwa dates, known for their rich natural sweetness, soft-yet-dense texture, and characteristic caramel and honey notes. The company emphasizes purity and traditional handling, avoiding any artificial additives, colors, or preservatives to preserve the authentic flavor of each fruit. Their portfolio includes classic whole dates, filled varieties with walnuts, pistachios, cardamom, or saffron, as well as collections coated in dark chocolate. Presentation is a key part of the brand’s identity - refined gift boxes and wooden cases position Qinwan as a luxury choice suitable for gifting and special occasions. With multiple boutiques in Doha and partnerships with international retailers, including high-end department stores, the brand combines regional heritage with a modern premium aesthetic, making it one of the most recognized date producers in the Gulf region.Expand