Introduction
Among the 4000 types of dates in the world, 400 types are Iranian dates. These Iranian dates have different tastes, textures, shapes, weights, and colors. In this article, we have provided a comprehensive list of Iranian dates. We have also highlighted their distinct characteristics and origins.
Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 types of Iranian dates:
1. Kharak / Khalal
2. Rotab / Routab
3. Khorma
4. Khasoei
5. Shahani
10. Medjool
Mazafati dates originated in Bam city and is one of Iran’s popular date products. They are famous for their delicious smooth skin and meaty texture.
Kimia dates’ shape is oval. Their color is deep brown to black. Bam dates are known for their ability to reduce iron deficiency and anemia. Mazafati is usually half-ripe or partially dried.
For more information about Mazafati dates, read the below:
The black or dark Pyarom is a particular type of date in Haji Abad, Hormozgan Province in Iran. It is famous for its unique taste and thin skin. Black Piarom mostly has a higher price than its other type, the Golden Piarom.
On the contrary, the Golden Pyarom is more premium than the Black Pyarom.
Piarom types are partially dried and have varying moisture levels.
Here, you can read more about Pyarom dates:
Zahedi dates are mostly cultivated in Bushehr, Lar and Khuzestan. They have less juice and a soft inner texture with a quite dry outer layer.
These types of dates are light brown and are good for making date vinegar and alcohol. Zahedi’s durability in tropical weather and its long shelf life have made it popular.
If you are interested in knowing more details about this nutritious date, read items below:
Rabbi dates originated from Zabol, Iranshahr, and some other cities of Sistan and Baluchestan Province. They have an oval shape. The skin of this date is dark brown, shiny, transparent, and the size of this date is bigger than the size of other dates varieties.
Generally, Rabbi has a semi-dry texture and its mellow sweet taste makes it a favorite among date enthusiasts.
To know more about Rabbi dates, read these items:
Lulu dates are cultivated in Khuzestan. This type of date is similar to Pyarom in taste.
Lulu is dark brown and has a round appearance similar to plum fruit. The low moisture content places Lulu in the partially dried category of dates.
Look at the below items related to Lulu date fruit:
Sayer date can be found in Khuzestan province. These dates are oval and usually reddish brown.
They are popular for their low seed stickiness and high sugar content (above 75%). The semi-dry nature of Sayer dates is the reason for their extended shelf life and ease of export.
If you would like to become more familiar with Sayer date, read the items provided here:
This oval-shaped Kabkab date is one of the semi-dry dates in Iran. Bushehr and Fars provinces are the origin of Kabkab dates.
Here are some details about Kabkab dates:
Kali dates are under the category of semi-dry dates in Iran. Kerman Province is the Kaliteh dates source in Iran.
Kaloute is similar to Mazafati. Although, the lower moisture level, sweetness, and dark brown color distinguish it from Mazafati.
More details about Kaloute dates:
Barhi date is also cultivated and harvested chiefly in Khuzestan. This type of date is slow ripening and it has excellent resistance to humidity. The small, golden yellow Barhi date has a sweetness that is ripe. However; the sweetness varies as per ripeness.
Its thick skin and crunchiness make it an excellent choice for both immediate consumption and desserts.
Now, let’s learn more about Barhi:
The Medjool date which is known as the “queen of dates” stands out with its honey-like flavor and soft texture. Medjools are grown in Fars, Kerman, Bushehr, and Khuzestan.
Medjool dates are categorized as half-ripe to partially dried dates.
Since the Medjool date is shiny yellow and moist, it is perfect for fresh eating or smoothies, milkshakes, etc.
You can find out more information about Medjool:
Date Names | Mazafati | Pyarom | Zahedi | Rabbi | Lulu | Sayer | Kabkab | Kaluteh | Barhi | Medjool |
Characteristics | ||||||||||
Color | Dark brown / Black | Black / Golden | Light brown | Dark brown | Dark brown | Reddish brown | Brown | Dark brown | Golden yellow | Shiny yellow |
Type | Half ripe to partially dried | Partially dried | Partially to mostly dried | Partially dried | Partially dried | Partially dried | Partially dried | Partially dried | Half ripe to mostly dried | Half ripe to partially dried |
Texture | Soft | Semi-soft | Soft | Semi-soft | Semi-soft | Soft | Semi-soft | Semi-soft | Soft to semi-soft | Soft to semi-soft |
Shape | Oval | Oval | Oval | Oval | Round | Oval | Oval | Oval | Round to oval | Oval |
Weight | 12-22gr | 10-12gr | 6-8 gr | 9-12gr | 6-8gr | 7-10gr | 12-15gr | 9-11gr | 8-10gr | 8-12gr |
Average Moisture Content | 20-30% | 10-15% | 10-15% | 10-15% | 10-13% | 10-16% | 18-20% | 14-22% | 10-70% | 20-30% |
Harvest Time |
|
There are several lesser-known Iranian date varieties worth exploring. Here, we will discover each.
Ajwa dates have a prune-like taste and a soft texture. Their color ranges from dark brown to black. It is classified in the dry dates category.
Khudri is grown in Sistan & Baluchestan and Bushehr. Khudri date has a dark brown color with wrinkled skin. The texture is dry, and it has a sweet taste. It’s very valued due to its high quality.
It’s also well-liked for its affordable price. It can be a great option instead of using sugar. Khudri looks smooth and is available in big and medium sizes.
Maktoom dates are grown in Kerman, Fars and Sistan & Baluchestan. Maktoom date is medium to large-sized fruits. They have a light brown to dark brown color and smooth, glossy, thick fibrous skin.The texture of Maktoom dates is tender and slightly chewy.