Short answer: There are hundreds of date varieties, but a handful are known worldwide: Medjool (large and soft, first grown in Morocco), Deglet Noor (semi-dry, from Algeria and Tunisia), Ajwa and Sukkari from Saudi Arabia, Khalas from Al-Ahsa and the Gulf, Barhi from Iraq, Mazafati from Iran and Aseel from Pakistan. They differ in size, softness and sweetness – and each suits a different moment, from Arabic coffee to baking.
The four stages of a date
Dates change as they ripen on the palm. In Arabic the stages are kimri (green), khalal (crunchy, yellow or red), rutab (half-ripe and soft) and tamr (fully ripe and dried on the tree). Most dates sold around the world are tamr. Some varieties, like Barhi, are also loved fresh at the khalal stage in late summer.
8 popular varieties
Medjool
Large, soft and rich, with a caramel taste. First grown in Morocco, Medjool is now farmed in the USA, Jordan and many other countries, and is often called the "king of dates". Great for gifts and stuffing.
Deglet Noor
A semi-dry, amber date from Algeria and Tunisia, also grown in California. Its firm texture and delicate sweetness make it a favourite for baking and snacks.
Ajwa
A small, dark, soft date from Madinah in Saudi Arabia, highly valued across the Muslim world.
Sukkari
From the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia, Sukkari means "sugary". It is golden and very sweet, and comes soft or in a crunchy dried form. Compare it in Medjool vs Sukkari dates.
Khalas
From Al-Ahsa in Saudi Arabia and grown across the Gulf, Khalas is soft and amber, with a caramel taste. It is one of the classic dates served with Arabic coffee.
Barhi
Originally from Iraq, Barhi is famous for being eaten fresh: crunchy and yellow at the khalal stage, then soft and syrupy as it ripens.
Mazafati
A very soft, moist, dark date from Bam in Iran. Because of its high moisture, it is usually kept chilled.
Aseel
Pakistan's best-known date, grown mainly around Khairpur in Sindh. It is sweet, soft to semi-dry, and widely used in Pakistani homes and sweets.
Dates around the world at a glance
| Variety | Main origin | Texture | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medjool | Morocco, USA, Jordan | Large, soft | Gifts, stuffing |
| Deglet Noor | Algeria, Tunisia | Semi-dry, firm | Baking, snacks |
| Ajwa | Madinah, Saudi Arabia | Small, soft, dark | Everyday, gifts |
| Sukkari | Qassim, Saudi Arabia | Soft or crunchy | Arabic coffee, desserts |
| Khalas | Al-Ahsa and the Gulf | Soft | Arabic coffee |
| Barhi | Iraq | Crunchy fresh, soft when ripe | Eating fresh |
| Mazafati | Bam, Iran | Very soft, moist | Snacks, served chilled |
| Aseel | Khairpur, Pakistan | Soft to semi-dry | Everyday, home sweets |
How to choose
- For guests and Arabic coffee: Khalas or Sukkari – see what to serve in a Qatari majlis.
- For gifts: big, soft Medjool, plain or coated in chocolate.
- For baking: firmer dates such as Deglet Noor hold their shape.
Honey is not suitable for infants under 12 months.
Dates for your majlis and gifts
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between rutab and tamr?
Rutab is the half-ripe stage: soft, moist and very fresh. Tamr is fully ripe and drier, so it keeps much longer.
Which dates go best with Arabic coffee?
It is a matter of taste. In the Gulf, Khalas and Sukkari are classic choices because their caramel sweetness balances the light, spiced coffee.
Which dates do you sell?
See our dates collection, including Tamra Choco – Medjool dates coated in chocolate – delivered across Qatar with cash on delivery.
Safi Brothers Trading is a Qatar company (CR No. 203876) from a family that has been in the honey business since 1985. Our honey comes from Kashmir, Pakistan. Shop online or visit us at Ezdan Oasis, Al Wukair.
