What Are the Differences Between Bam Kimia Dates and Medjool Dates?

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.

Mazafati-Medjool

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. 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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.  

Date Names

Mazafati 

Medjool

Characteristics

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 of both dates usually begins in July to mid-October. 
November 15, 2023
Mazafati-Medjool

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