The Date Guide
Mediterranean Foods imports premium dates from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt, shipped climate-controlled by the container. Here is how the main varieties differ, so you can stock the right dates for your customers.
| Variety | Where it’s grown | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|
| Sukkari | Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia | Golden-amber and very sweet — the name comes from sukkar, sugar. Sold soft (rutab) or firmer and crystallized. A top seller for gifting and Ramadan. |
| Khalas | Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia & the UAE | Moist and sticky with a buttery, toffee-like flavor and thin skin. Traditionally served to guests with Arabic coffee. |
| Khodari | Central Saudi Arabia | Large, dark brown and chewy with a balanced, raisin-like sweetness. An affordable everyday date that sells in volume. |
| Sagai | Central Saudi Arabia | Two-toned: a crisp, pale golden tip and a soft brown base, with a brown-sugar flavor. |
| Medjool | Jordan Valley, Morocco, California | The “king of dates” — very large, plump and fudgy with caramel notes. |
| Deglet Noor | Tunisia & Algeria | Amber, semi-dry and firm with a delicate, nutty honey flavor. Popular for baking. |
| Barhi | Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE | Small and round; soft and syrupy when ripe, with a butterscotch flavor. |
| Ajwa | Madinah, Saudi Arabia | Small, round and nearly black, with a soft, fine texture and a deep, mildly sweet flavor. |
| Mabroom & Safawi | Madinah, Saudi Arabia | Mabroom is long, slender and chewy with mild sweetness; Safawi is dark, soft and moist with a caramel aroma. |
Buying tips for stores
- Stock at least one premium soft date (Sukkari or Khalas) and one value date (Khodari) — customers shop both.
- Demand peaks before Ramadan and the holidays; order early for pallet quantities.
- Keep dates cool and dry; refrigeration extends shelf life for soft varieties.
- Date paste and syrup sell to bakeries and home cooks year round.