Royal Sukkary Dates (Hari Raya Specials)

Sukkary (Royal Dates) 

The name comes from Sukkur (Arabic for sugar) and grown in Saudi Arabia. These are the "royal child" of the dates world, usually light gold in color and taste like honey.

• Unique Trait: They are arguably the sweetest variety. Some even have "crystallized" sugars near the skin that give a slight, satisfying crunch.

• Texture: Exceptionally soft and buttery. They are often eaten at the semi-ripe stage, where they literally melt in your mouth.

• Best Use: Their intense sweetness makes them the perfect replacement for candy.

Medjool (Jewel Dates)

Originally from Morocco but these are from Saudi Arabia. These are the large, jumbo dates we usually see.

• Unique Trait: They have a very high moisture content, which gives them a squishy or fudge-like consistency.

• Texture: Plump and juicy with a thin, tender skin.

• Best Use: As they are so large and have a sturdy "pocket" once the pit is removed, they are the top choice for stuffed dates (filled with peanut butter, walnuts, or cheese).

Ajwa (Gem Dates)

Grown exclusively in Medina, Saudi Arabia, Ajwa dates are smaller and darker than other varieties.

• Unique Trait: They are less sweet than other dates, making them a favorite for those who want a more intense and earthy flavor.

• Texture: They have a smooth skin with fine wrinkles and a prune-like, chewy interior.

• Best Use: Highly revered for medicinal and spiritual reasons, they are packed with higher levels of antioxidants compared to other dates.

Deglet Noor (Honey Dates)

Mostly grown in Tunisia, they usually come attached to the branches.

• Unique Trait: Known for its translucent quality when held up to the light. It has a much more delicate, nutty flavor profile, tasting more like light honey than heavy caramel.

• Texture: It is a semi-dried date. It holds its shape extremely well and is dried to the touch but the inside might be a bit sticky.

• Best Use: As they aren't mushy, they are the best variety for chopping into salads, granolas, or cakes and they have a more "balanced" sweetness.