Walk into a Middle Eastern grocery store before Ramadan and you will see dates stacked in every shape and colour. Some are huge and glossy. Others are small, dark and wrinkled. If you grew up with dates, you probably have a favourite. If you did not, it can be hard to know where to start.
There are more than 2,500 varieties of date palms grown around the world. You do not need to know all of them. This guide covers the six varieties we carry at Palm Bites, what each one tastes like, and how to enjoy them.
Medjool: the king of dates
Origin of ours: Palestine
If you only try one date, make it a Medjool. They are large, soft and rich, with a flavour close to caramel and toffee. The texture is creamy, almost like fudge.
Medjool is the most well known date in the world, and it is the one we use for our chocolate covered dates because it holds up so well to fillings and chocolate. Our Palestinian Medjool Dates are one of our best sellers, with more than 400 reviews.
Best for: eating on their own, stuffing with nuts or cheese, smoothies, and gifting.
Ajwa: soft, dark and meaningful
Origin: Saudi Arabia
Ajwa dates are small to medium, very dark, and soft. The flavour is sweet with a slightly tart, fruity edge that some people compare to berries. They have a velvety texture rather than a sticky one.
Ajwa dates also carry deep meaning for many Muslim families, which makes them a popular choice during Ramadan and for gifts to elders.
Best for: breaking your fast, gifting, and eating slowly with tea.
Sukkari: pure sweetness
Origin: Saudi Arabia
The name says it all. Sukkari comes from the Arabic word for sugar, and these are some of the sweetest dates you can find. They are golden, soft and melt in your mouth, with a light butterscotch flavour.
One thing to know: Sukkari dates need to be kept in the fridge to stay at their best.
Best for: anyone with a serious sweet tooth, and serving with Arabic coffee to balance the sweetness.
Khudri: everyday and easygoing
Origin: Saudi Arabia
Khudri dates look like a smaller Medjool. They are firmer and chewier, with a milder sweetness and hints of caramel. Because they are less sugary, many people find them easier to eat in larger amounts.
Best for: daily snacking, lunch boxes, and chopping into oatmeal or salads.
Deglet Noor: the baker's date
Origin of ours: Tunisia
Deglet Noor is the smallest of the group. It is semi-dry with a mild, nutty sweetness that tastes a bit like brown sugar. Because it is firmer, it holds its shape when chopped, which makes it a favourite for baking.
Best for: muffins, date squares, granola and trail mix.
Mazafati: honey and roasted nuts
Origin: Iran
Mazafati dates are dark, soft and moist, with a flavour that blends sweetness and nuttiness. People often describe them as tasting like honey with roasted nuts. They are sometimes sold as Bam dates, named after the region where they grow.
Best for: eating fresh, and pairing with walnuts or tahini.
Quick comparison
| Date | Sweetness | Texture | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medjool | High | Soft, creamy | Snacking, stuffing, gifting |
| Ajwa | Medium | Soft, velvety | Ramadan, gifting |
| Sukkari | Very high | Melt-in-your-mouth | Sweet treat with coffee |
| Khudri | Medium | Firm, chewy | Everyday snacking |
| Deglet Noor | Mild | Semi-dry | Baking |
| Mazafati | High | Soft, moist | Eating fresh |
How to tell if dates are fresh
Whatever variety you choose, fresh dates should look plump and slightly glossy. They should feel soft when you press them gently, not hard or crystallized. A little white sugar bloom on the skin is normal and harmless, but the fruit should never smell sour or fermented.
Freshness is the biggest complaint people have about grocery store dates, and it is one of the main reasons Palm Bites started. Our founder grew up with fresh dates in an Iraqi household and wanted people in North America to taste dates the way they are meant to be.
Which one should you buy?
- New to dates? Start with Medjool. It is the easiest to love.
- Shopping for Ramadan? Ajwa and Medjool are the most popular choices.
- Have a sweet tooth? Go for Sukkari.
- Baking? Deglet Noor is your best friend.
- Want something different? Try Mazafati or Khudri.
If you want dates with a bit more going on, our Naked Dates are filled with nuts and nut butters but skip the chocolate. And for a full dessert, our chocolate covered dates are a great way to try Medjool at its best.
You can browse every variety we carry in our All Dates collection, or read more about each one on our Sourcing page.
