February 24, 2026 | 01:11 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Dates become the most sought-after commodity during the month of Ramadan. Eating even a single piece can give you an energy boost to combat weariness, especially after a day of fasting or intense exercise.
In addition to their nutritional content, certain types of dates are categorized as luxury items due to their fantastic prices.
These high prices are determined by the cultivation location, where interior and desert areas with low humidity produce larger and higher-quality dates compared to coastal areas, as reported by Gulf News. Apart from climatic factors, post-harvest methods such as drying and packaging also play a crucial role in determining their market value on the international market.
Here is a list of the most expensive and luxurious date varieties in the world:
1. Ajwa (Saudi Arabia)
Known as the "Holy Dates" from medina, these delicious dates have a soft texture with caramel and spice flavors, as reported by Travel + Leisure. Its high price is due to limited production and the need for very careful irrigation.
2. Medjool (Morocco)
Dubbed the "King of Dates," it was once considered a delicious food enjoyed only by the royal family and for special occasions. Unlike Ajwa, Medjool is intensely sweet. First cultivated in the Tafilalt region of Morocco, it has now spread from its home country to countries such as Jordan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, and beyond.
3. Piarom (Iran)
Often referred to as "chocolate dates," this variety is one of the most exclusive in the world. It has a thin skin with a unique sweet taste resembling toffee and burnt caramel. Sweeter than Barhi and Medjool date varieties.
4. Deglet Nour (Algeria)
Given the title of "Queen of Dates" because of its golden yellow and somewhat transparent appearance. This date is favored in the culinary industry as a natural sugar substitute due to its smooth, honey-like taste. Originally from the Tolga oasis in Algeria, this date is now also produced in Libya, Tunisia, and in the inland oases of the United States .
5. Sukkari (Saudi Arabia)
Has a very crisp texture but melts in the mouth. Its name comes from the word "Sukkur" (sugar), reflecting its high sweetness level and luxurious golden brown color. There are two types: Sukkari Rutab, which is semi-dry and has a soft and juicy texture, and Sukkari Mufattal, which is fully dry and has a denser texture. Widely considered a premium product, Sukkari dates are among the most expensive and luxurious dates in the world.
6. Khalas (UAE & Saudi Arabia)
Considered a symbol of hospitality in the Middle East. Often served with Arabic coffee. Its moderately sweet taste and slightly powdery texture make it very popular, so it is always present at various gatherings and celebrations. This date has a creamy buttery caramel taste and is the favorite variety among the local population of the United Arab Emirates.
7. Mabroom (Saudi Arabia)
Has a longer shape with a chewy and fibrous texture. This date is rich in protein and minerals, and has a unique, slightly sweet, toffee-like finish. Besides being known as Barari Mabroom, it is an ideal choice for those who need to control their sugar intake, as it is higher in protein and lower in calories than other dates.
8. Barhi (Iraq)
Barhi dates have a flavor that can rival Medjool's, but due to their lower astringency, they can be eaten in three stages of ripeness. When unripe and with a dull golden yellow skin, it has a gentle sweet taste and a crispy texture like an apple. But when ripe in Rutab stage, it turns into a dark brown color and has a rich caramel and toffee taste with a soft and chewy texture.
9. Safawi (Saudi Arabia)
Often compared to Ajwa dates, Safawi dates have a perfect balance of sweetness. Many believe that Safawi dates are sweeter than Medjool dates. It is also known to contain a lot of nutrients, ranging from vitamins and minerals to fiber for intestinal health.
10. Kheanaizi (UAE)
Also known as the "Everyday Four Black Dates," a name that highlights the importance of these dates in culinary culture. Their sweetness level is lower compared to many other date varieties. These dates contain a lot of nutrients, including iron, sodium, potassium, and fluorine, with abundant amino acids and insoluble fiber that aid digestion.
Imanda Zahwa contributed to this article
Read: 5 Science-Backed Benefits of Eating Dates During Ramadan
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