Dates
Dates differ not only in variety, but also in stage of maturity. The soft fruit was not necessarily soaked in syrup, and the dense fruit was not necessarily overdried.
In a date, some of the water may still be lost on the palm tree. After collection, drying, moistening and sorting are possible - these are different operations.
Khalal, Rutab and Tamar refer to stages of fruit maturity and condition rather than countries or universal quality categories. Wet fresh stages require different storage than product intended for long-term sale.
History
Oasis culture
FAO describes the centuries-old spread of the date palm through Mesopotamia to Iran and the Indus Valley, and through Egypt to the Maghreb. Ancient history does not allow us to establish the origin of the modern party.
The variety travels between countries
Medjool is associated with Tafilalet in Morocco, Barhee with Basra in Iraq. Planting material was distributed to other countries, so the variety and country of harvest are different information.
Regions and differences
Historical oases and international varieties
The basis is the 2002 FAO monograph: it is used for history, varieties and technologies, rather than current production rankings. In addition to the regions shown, it documents the countries listed below; the list refers to the scope of this monograph.
Tafilalet and Draa Valley, Morocco
FAO celebrates these oasis zones in cultural history; Tafilalet is associated with Medjool.
Medjool is usually large and a soft date, but can be denser than Barhee. The size of each fruit also depends on the commodity sorting.
Stuffing and serving whole: Choose the actual size, not just the variety name.
Jerid: Tozeur and Nefta; Kebili, Tunisia
FAO describes these production zones and the varieties Deglet Nour, Kenta, Alligh and Khouat Allig.
One country produces several varieties. For Deglet Nour, the condition after harvest is also important, not just the name recognition.
Slicing and baking: compare density and ease of stone removal.
Basra, Iraq
Basra is listed by FAO as the place of origin of Barhee, also known as Barhi.
Barhee is slightly astringent at the Khalal stage; later, on Tamar, it becomes very soft. These stages are not interchangeable for storage.
Select fresh Khalal only under appropriate storage conditions; Dry mixes require a suitable mature form.
Coachella and Bard, California, USA
The FAO documents the cultivation of Medjool in these Californian zones and Deglet Nour in the USA.
After harvesting, dates may require further drying on trays or equipment. The name Medjool does not mean uniform humidity.
For pasta, choose soft pulp, for pieces in dough - denser; check storage conditions.
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Iran
- Libya
- Pakistan
- Saudi Arabia
- Sudan
- Mauritania
- Oman
- Yemen
- UAE
- Somalia
- Bahrain
- Israel
- Palestine
- Kuwait
- Syria
- Mexico
- Spain
- Australia
- Namibia
- South Africa
Types and processing
Medjool
Usually a large soft date; the variety is not synonymous with syrup processing.
Stuffing and desserts from whole fruits.
Deglet Nour
A well-known commercial variety, grown in several countries and sold in various states.
For baking, focus on the softness of a particular sample.
Khalal and Rutab
Earlier or wet fetal states; storage and texture are different from dried Tamar.
Freshly served in compliance with the storage conditions specified by the manufacturer.
Tamar
Mature stage with less humidity; suitable for trade as dried dates.
Mixtures, baked goods and pastes taking into account the density of the sample.
Drying this product
The FAO describes drying dates, including the overly soft Medjool, on trays under the sun. About the method
Additional drying is possible in drying equipment. Moistening a dry fruit is the opposite operation and does not prove the addition of sugar. About the method
How to choose
- Check the variety and stage/moisture content if they are important to the recipe.
- Check the pit even for a product that claims to be peeled.
- Syrup and other additives are determined by composition; Shine and softness are not a reliable test.