Dates are one of the oldest cultivated fruits, loved for their sweet taste, nutritional benefits, and versatility in diets. People often struggle to choose the best type of date for daily use because there are so many varieties, each with unique flavors and textures. In this blog post, we help you learn about different types of dates fruit, their taste, origin, size, color, and benefits, making it easier to pick the perfect variety for your needs.
15 Popular Types of Dates Fruit and Pictures
In this section, we will explore 15 popular types of dates, their unique taste, origin, size, and color, helping you identify and enjoy each variety better.
Medjool Dates
Medjool dates are often called the “king of dates” due to their large size and sweet, rich flavor. They have been cultivated for centuries in Morocco and later in the Middle East and California. These dates are soft, chewy, and naturally caramel-like.
- Taste: Sweet, caramel-like
- Scientific name: Phoenix dactylifera
- Origin: Morocco, Middle East
- Size: Large, 5–7 cm
- Color: Dark brown
Deglet Noor Dates
Deglet Noor dates are semi-dry with a firm texture, often used in baking. Their cultivation dates back to Algeria and Tunisia. Known as the “queen of dates,” they balance sweetness with a subtle nuttiness.
- Taste: Sweet, mild
- Scientific name: Phoenix dactylifera
- Origin: Algeria, Tunisia
- Size: Medium, 4–5 cm
- Color: Light brown
Barhi Dates
Barhi dates are soft, round, and known for their butterscotch-like flavor. They are traditionally harvested in Iraq and enjoyed fresh or dried.
- Taste: Sweet, creamy
- Scientific name: Phoenix dactylifera
- Origin: Iraq
- Size: Small to medium, 3–4 cm
- Color: Golden brown
Zahidi Dates
Zahidi dates are semi-dry with a mild sweetness and nutty flavor. They are an old variety grown in Iraq and Iran and are often used for stuffing with nuts.
- Taste: Mildly sweet, nutty
- Scientific name: Phoenix dactylifera
- Origin: Iraq, Iran
- Size: Medium, 4–5 cm
- Color: Light golden
Khadrawy Dates
Khadrawy dates are soft and moist with a rich caramel flavor. Cultivated mainly in Iraq, they are preferred as a fresh date due to their delicate texture.
- Taste: Sweet, rich caramel
- Scientific name: Phoenix dactylifera
- Origin: Iraq
- Size: Medium, 4–5 cm
- Color: Dark brown
Halawi Dates
Halawi dates are small, soft, and extremely sweet with honey-like flavor. Popular in Iraq and the Middle East, they are ideal for snacking.
- Taste: Sweet, honey-like
- Scientific name: Phoenix dactylifera
- Origin: Iraq
- Size: Small, 3–4 cm
- Color: Light brown
Sukkary Dates
Sukkary dates are prized in Saudi Arabia for their natural sweetness and melt-in-the-mouth texture. They are often eaten fresh due to their high moisture content.
- Taste: Very sweet, soft
- Scientific name: Phoenix dactylifera
- Origin: Saudi Arabia
- Size: Medium, 4–5 cm
- Color: Golden yellow
Ajwa Dates
Ajwa dates are famous in Saudi Arabia, especially Madinah, and hold cultural and religious significance. They are soft, slightly dry, and known for their medicinal properties.
- Taste: Sweet, slightly dry
- Scientific name: Phoenix dactylifera
- Origin: Saudi Arabia
- Size: Medium, 3–4 cm
- Color: Dark black
Mazafati Dates
Mazafati dates are soft, juicy, and extremely sweet, mainly grown in Iran. They are often referred to as Bam dates and are popular as dessert dates.
- Taste: Sweet, moist
- Scientific name: Phoenix dactylifera
- Origin: Iran
- Size: Medium, 4–5 cm
- Color: Dark brown
Dayri Dates
Dayri dates are long, soft, and very sweet with a rich flavor. Cultivated in Iraq and Egypt, they are often served during festivals.
- Taste: Sweet, soft
- Scientific name: Phoenix dactylifera
- Origin: Iraq, Egypt
- Size: Large, 5–6 cm
- Color: Light brown
Khenaizi Dates
Khenaizi dates are small, soft, and dark with a sweet, rich flavor. They are mainly grown in Saudi Arabia and highly valued for their taste.
- Taste: Sweet, rich
- Scientific name: Phoenix dactylifera
- Origin: Saudi Arabia
- Size: Small, 3–4 cm
- Color: Dark brown
Fard Dates
Fard dates are medium-sized, firm, and sweet. They are mainly grown in Saudi Arabia and are excellent for long storage.
- Taste: Sweet, firm
- Scientific name: Phoenix dactylifera
- Origin: Saudi Arabia
- Size: Medium, 4–5 cm
- Color: Light brown
Thoory Dates
Thoory dates, also called almond dates, are dry with a nutty flavor and low moisture content. They are mainly grown in Tunisia and Algeria.
- Taste: Sweet, nutty, dry
- Scientific name: Phoenix dactylifera
- Origin: Tunisia, Algeria
- Size: Medium, 4–5 cm
- Color: Light brown
Anbara Dates
Anbara dates are large, soft, and highly sweet, often cultivated in Saudi Arabia. They are considered premium dates due to their size and taste.
- Taste: Sweet, rich
- Scientific name: Phoenix dactylifera
- Origin: Saudi Arabia
- Size: Large, 6–7 cm
- Color: Golden brown
List of Types of Dates Fruits Names and Their Pictures
- Medjool
- Deglet Noor
- Barhi
- Zahidi
- Khadrawy
- Halawi
- Sukkary
- Ajwa
- Mazafati
- Dayri
- Barhee
- Khenaizi
- Fard
- Thoory
- Anbara
- Mabroom
- Safawi
- Khudri
- Lulu
- Piarom
- Rotab
- Sheshi
- Dabbas
- Khilmi
- Safawi
- Mabroom
- Sagai
- Sayer
- Besser
- Hayany
- Maktoom
- Kholas
- Shishi
- Maktoum
- Rabbi
- Khenizi
- Hayani
- Khalas
- Sukkary
- Tamer
- Hallawi
- Barhee
- Qasimi
- Ajwa
- Mazafati
- Zahidi
- Medjool
- Dayri
- Fard
- Anbara
Different Types of Dates Fruit and Their Benefits
| Date Name | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Medjool | High energy, rich in fiber, good for heart and bones |
| Deglet Noor | Supports digestion, antioxidant-rich, mild sweetness for recipes |
| Barhi | Boosts energy, improves skin health, rich in vitamins |
| Zahidi | Low calorie, promotes bone health, helps in digestion |
| Khadrawy | Natural sweetness, digestive support, rich in minerals |
| Halawi | Energy booster, supports nervous system, high in antioxidants |
| Sukkary | Enhances immunity, high in natural sugars, improves stamina |
| Ajwa | Religious significance, heart health, antioxidant properties |
| Mazafati | High potassium, boosts energy, maintains electrolyte balance |
| Dayri | Strengthens bones, improves digestion, rich in fiber |
| Barhee | Natural sweetness, energy booster, rich in vitamins |
| Khenaizi | Improves metabolism, high in antioxidants, supports digestive health |
| Fard | Long shelf life, rich in fiber, supports heart and gut health |
| Thoory | Low sugar, high fiber, supports weight management |
| Anbara | Premium taste, energy-rich, high in minerals |
FAQs about Different Types of Dates Fruit
There are over 2000 varieties of dates, but popular types include Medjool, Deglet Noor, Barhi, Zahidi, and Ajwa.
Medjool and Sukkary dates are considered the sweetest due to their high natural sugar content.
Yes, dates are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, boosting energy, aiding digestion, and supporting heart health.
Deglet Noor dates are ideal for baking due to their firm texture and mild sweetness.
12 popular dates fruits are Medjool, Deglet Noor, Ajwa, Barhi, Zahidi, Halawi, Khadrawy, Sukkary, Khenaizi, Dayri, Thoory, and Fard, each with a unique taste and texture.
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