Bam Kimia dates and Medjool dates are both popular varieties of dates, but they have some differences in terms of origin, appearance, and more. In the following, we compare the differences between these two types of dates.
The Origin
Mazafati:
The origin of Kimia dates is Bam, Kerman in Iran. Kimia Mazafati is the most popular Iranian date in the Middle East.
Medjool:
Medjool dates are mostly cultivated in Morocco, but it is also cultivated in various regions with suitable climates, including the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of the United States, particularly in California.
The Appearance
Mazafati Bam dates have soft and shiny flattened skin while Medjool (California date) has an oval shape with sticky and slightly wrinkled skin.
- Size
Mazafati:
Kimia is 3 – 4.5 cm in length and 12-22 gr in weight. A baby carton of 600 gr Mazafati contains 48 dates.
Medjool:
Medjool dates are usually large. For instance, 1 kg of Medjool only equals 40 to 50 dates. Each Medjool is 5-7 cm in length and 8-12 gr in weight.
As a comparison, Mazafati dates are smaller than Medjools.
- Color
Mazafati:
Generally, Kimia dates are dark in color. Besides, the premium Bam Mazafati dates are particularly black.
Medjool:
Medjool dates vary from light brown to dark.
The Taste and Texture
Mazafati:
Mazafati dates have a mild flavor with soft and fresh meat.
Medjool:
Medjool is sweet with a sticky soft texture. This date also has fresh meaty pulp.
The Harvest Time
Mazafati:
The harvest time for Mazafati dates is the same as Medjools. Kimia ( Mazafati ) is ripe and ready to be picked from late July to late October.
Medjool:
Medjool begins to ripen from July to October. This period is the best time to harvest these dates.
The Moisture Content
Mazafati:
Bam Kimia is a wet date with 20-30% moisture content.
Medjool:
Medjool is a semi-dry and soft date with a similar moisture rate.
| Dates Names | Characteristics | Mazafati | Medjool |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Bam, Iran | Morocco |
| Appearance | Soft flattened skin | Sticky & wrinkled skin |
| Size | 3 – 4.5 cm | 5 – 7 cm |
| Color | Black | Light brown to dark |
| Texture | Soft | Soft to semi-soft |
| Weight | 12-22gr | 8-12gr |
| Harvest Time | The harvest time on both dates usually begins in July and goes to mid-October. | |
