Top 5 Best Quality Dates to Buy (2024)

FAQs

What are the best quality dates? ›

Medjool dates are one of the most popular dates. Medjool dates were first found in Morocco, North Africa, and were brought to Nevada, the USA in the year 1927. They are large, soft, and considered to be the most flavorful dates among all different varieties grown.

Identifying good quality dates begins with examining their texture, shape, colour, and consistency. Authentic dates typically exhibit a soft and smooth texture, uniform colour, and natural sweetness. Fresh dates emit a pleasant aroma, indicative of their freshness, while spoiled ones may have a peculiar odour.

Medjool. Also known as the California date, the Medjool is one of the worlds most popular date variety. With a thick outer-skin and deep brown colour, it is easy to identify with its large elongated shape and pointed end. Plump, moist and luscious, it has a distinctive caramel taste with hints of vanilla flavour.

What is the best type of dates? All dates are good for your health, however, some varieties top the chart due to their yummy taste and high nutritional value. Medjool dates are said to be the most healthy by many, however, this will solely be dependant upon your taste for the dates.

They are also much sweeter than regular pitted dates, due to their high fructose content, and are generally larger in size, too. This is why many consider Medjool dates to be the best type to eat straight from the packet (organic varieties usually taste the best when eaten this way).

Medjool Dates

One of the most popular dates that are large, soft and one of the most flavorful dates among all different varieties grown. They taste excellent when eaten fresh because of their high moisture content. Medjool Dates stays good for 12-15 days at room temperature.

When selecting dates at the supermarket, look for plump, shiny-skinned ones. They will look wrinkled, but shouldn't be hard to the touch. Keep an eye out for crystallization — that's a sure sign that your dates are not as fresh as they should be at the time of purchase.

The date should be plump and shiny, this is a sign of freshness and that they are succulent. A few wrinkles are okay but make sure they are not all shriveled up. On the other hand make sure that they don't look like they are oozing juices out of them. Sense of touch – Feel them, give them a little prod or squeeze.

The Ajwa dates are the most expensive, even more than the prized Medjool. This is because they are from Medina in Saudi Arabic and were the favourite of the Prophet Muhammed.

According to Sedivy, a serving of dates is about one-quarter cup. However, "if you're worried about the sugar amount, I recommend eating two to three large dates to reap all the health benefits associated with them," she says.

Do dates clean your arteries? ›

Medjool dates' soluble fiber content lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol. Fiber binds with this cholesterol and prevents its absorption into your bloodstream. This keeps cholesterol's fatty deposits from building up in your arteries, which reduces the risk of heart disease.

Medjool dates are easier to eat and are quite soft, while regular dates are often soaked in water with a little bicarb before cooking with them. In terms of nutritional value, Medjool dates are identical to regular dates, however the regular dates have more fiber, fat, and protein.

According to data from the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization, Egypt is the world's biggest producer of dates, having grown around 1.73 million tonnes of the tropical fruit in 2022 alone. Saudi Arabia comes in second place with 1.61 million tonnes of dates, followed by Algeria with 1.25 million tonnes.

The Ajwa dates are the most expensive, even more than the prized Medjool. This is because they are from Medina in Saudi Arabic and were the favourite of the Prophet Muhammed.