There are many types of dates grown worldwide, each with a different taste, texture, color, and size. Some popular dates varieties include Medjool, Mazafati, Piarom, Deglet Noor, Sayer, and Zahidi. Medjool dates are large and soft, Mazafati dates are moist and rich, while Zahidi dates have a firmer texture.
Understanding these differences helps you choose the right dates for snacking, baking, cooking, or commercial use. This guide compares 17 different types of dates fruit and explains their benefits and best uses.
Different Types of Dates
This table introduces 17 popular dates fruit types and their main characteristics.
| Date Variety | Taste | Texture | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medjool | Rich, caramel-like | Soft, chewy | Snacking, desserts |
| Piarom | Sweet, rich | Firm, semi-dry | Premium snacks |
| Deglet Noor | Mild, honey-like | Semi-dry | Baking, cooking |
| Mazafati (Kimia) | Sweet, caramel-like | Very soft, moist | Fresh snacking |
| Kabkab | Rich, sweet | Soft to semi-dry | Date paste, syrup |
| Zahidi | Mild, nutty | Firm, semi-dry | Baking, processing |
| Rabbi | Sweet | Chewy, semi-dry | Snacks, confectionery |
| Sayer | Sweet, caramel-like | Semi-dry | Industrial baking |
| Dayri | Mildly sweet | Soft, chewy | Snacking, stuffing |
| Barhi | Sweet, butterscotch-like when ripe | Crunchy when yellow, soft when ripe | Fresh eating |
| Halawy | Honey-like | Soft | Desserts, snacks |
| Safawi | Rich, sweet | Soft, chewy | Daily snacking |
| Sukkari | Very sweet | Soft to tender | Snacks, desserts |
| Khudri | Moderately sweet | Firm, chewy | Stuffed dates |
| Ajwa | Mildly sweet | Soft, slightly dry | Snacking |
| Thoory | Mild, nutty | Dry, firm | Baking, storage |
| Kaloote | Sweet | Soft to semi-dry | Snacking, processing |
Did you know sultanas are one of the three nutritional dried fruits? Click for more information.
How to Shop for Dates
If you’ve never had a freshly harvested date varieties, they are worth buying for their insanely sweet, caramel-like taste. Dates have differences in appearance from variety, but in general, you want to look for the kind of dates that are plump and shiny.
Dates should not be squashed into one another and they must be distinguished from each other in the package. The date skin should have minimal rips and tears. You want to make sure you buy dates that aren’t overly dried but wrinkly dates are totally fine.
Although, you can touch the dates to see if they are not too dry. Keep an open eye for white spots on dates which is a sign of aging. Aged dates with sugar are still edible but it is recommended that you do not buy dates that have already started the sugaring process.
Depending on the type of dates fruit you are looking for, you can find a suitable website to order your dates from. Kouroshfoods offer the best types of Iranian dates in the market.
Health Benefits of Different Types of Dates
All types of dates provide carbohydrates, natural sugars, dietary fiber, and minerals. However, their nutritional composition is different depending on the variety, ripeness, moisture content, and growing conditions.
Fiber and Digestive Health
Medjool and Deglet Noor dates contain dietary fiber, which supports normal digestion. Other dates varieties also provide fiber.
Natural Energy
Mazafati, Sayer, and Kabkab dates provide carbohydrates that the body uses for energy. They are convenient snacks before physical activity or during a busy day.
Minerals and Antioxidants
Dates provide minerals such as potassium and magnesium, along with antioxidant compounds. Their amounts differ among varieties, and no single date type guarantees better health outcomes.
Are Some Dates Healthier Than Others?
There is no healthiest dates variety. Moisture levels affect nutrient concentration per 100 grams, while serving size influences sugar and calorie intake. People who are managing blood glucose should consider portions.
Which Date Should You Choose?
The best dates variety depends on how you plan to use it.
- For everyday snacking: Choose Mazafati, Medjool, or Safawi for their soft texture.
- For baking: Deglet Noor, Sayer, and Zahidi work well in chopped-date recipes.
- For smoothies and date paste: Medjool, Mazafati, and Kabkab are practical choices.
- For premium gifts: Piarom and large Medjool dates offer attractive presentation.
- For bulk food production: Sayer, Zahidi, and Kabkab are useful options depending on the required product specifications.
- For a firmer snack: Try Piarom, Zahidi, or Khudri.
When purchasing dates, also consider size, moisture, packaging, storage requirements, and whether you need pitted or unpitted fruit.
Different types of dates provide natural energy, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. Choose Mazafati or Medjool for snacking, Deglet Noor or Sayer for baking, and Piarom for premium gifts.
Different types of date fruits
3.5 ounces of this date which is approximately 100 grams has 277 Cal, 7 grams of fiber, 75 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of protein. Dates are a significant source of minerals and vitamins such as Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, etc.
Here you can find the average size of Sayer date in both pitted and unpitted types, (as the date is an agricultural product, sizes can be different by each crop year)
| Size | Pitted | Un-pitted |
| Super select | Less than 75 per lb. | Less than 70 per lb. |
| select | 75-85 per lb. | 70-75 per lb. |
| Grade B | 85-95 per lb. | 75-85 per lb. |
| GAQ | 110-115 per lb. | 100-115 per lb. |
- Zahedi date
Zahedi dates can be categorized into two groups based on their color: 1. Light colored which is amber or creamy color 2. Dark colored which can be dark brown
Zahedi Date has high nutritional value. This date is rich in various types of nutritious elements and contains minerals and Vitamins including Potassium, Magnesium, Protein, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and …
100 grams of this dried date has about 300 Calories and is composed of about 73% Carbohydrates, 2.2% Protein, and 0.6% fat.
- Mazafati date
Original Kimia Dates is famous in the world for its excellent taste and high quality. This type of date has a high nutritional value and is considered a great healthy snack. Mazafati dates are high in Iron, Natural Sugar, and are a healthy snack for the body. This type of date is a great source of various nutrients of Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and Vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, etc.
Mazafati dates are categorized in different grades depending on their moisture and size, for example: (700-750 gr.)- (600-650 gr.)- (500-550 gr.), ….
Lots of factors such as the type of the date, the moisture percentage, and its size and quality can affect the Mazafati dates price in Iran. Different types of dry dates have different price values.
- Rabbi date
Rabbi date has a sweet taste and is famous for its delicious and incredible taste. Rabbi date is one of the most popular dates types of Iranian . Persian Rabbi date belongs to the semi-dried date category with 15%-16% moisture. This long date has dark brown or dark brown-red color and has thin skin.
Kabkab is one of the most famous dates types in Iran. The color of this fruit is light brown and burnt brown while it is Rutab, and eventually, it turns into a dark brown fruit. Unripe and Kharak dates, unlike other dates, have a bitter taste. Oval fruit weighing about 15 grams with a light yellow semi-dry texture and has thick skin.
- Barhi date
They belong to the small and fragile date categories. This date has amber and a rather light brown skin color. It is considered the sweetest and creamiest type of date.
- Piarom date
Piarom date is long and slender and it has oval dates with thin skin. It is considered one of the best semi-dried dates in the world. Piarom dates are mostly grown in southern parts of Iran and the harvesting time is in October. It has less moisture (less than 15%) and more flesh compared to other types of dates.
- Kaloote (Kalate) date
Kaloote or Kalate date is one of the most common date palm trees in Iran. This type of date is very popular in the neighboring countries of the Persian Gulf and many European countries and is known as one of the most important export dates of Iran.
Different date types price
Dates price in Iran generally depends on the type of date that your request. Lots of factors such as the type of the date, the moisture percentage, and its size and quality can affect the date’s price. Different types of dry dates have different price values.
Explore Iranian Dates with Kourosh Foods
Iran produces a wide range of dates varieties suitable for retail, wholesale, and food manufacturing. At Kourosh Foods, buyers can explore Iranian dates such as Mazafati, Sayer, Zahidi, Rabbi, Kabkab, and Piarom. Visit the Iranian dates product page or contact Kourosh Foods to discuss available varieties, packaging options, and product specifications.
FAQs
How many types of dates are there?
Thousands of date palm cultivars have been reported worldwide, although only a smaller number are widely traded commercially.
What are the different types of dates?
Popular varieties include Medjool, Mazafati, Piarom, Deglet Noor, Sayer, Zahidi, Kabkab, Rabbi, Ajwa, and Barhi.
Which types of dates are best for baking?
Deglet Noor, Sayer, and Zahidi are excellent for chopped-date recipes, while Medjool works well for soft fillings and date paste.
Which types of dates are best for eating fresh?
Mazafati, Medjool, ripe Barhi, and Halawy are popular choices because of their soft texture and natural sweetness.
