The Dates exported from South Africa include several premium varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. These high-quality dates are exported worldwide, meeting international standards for health and safety. Here are the key varieties of Dates included in the export from South Africa:
1. Medjool Known as the "Queen of Dates," Medjool dates are large, fleshy, and have a bright yellow color. These dates are primarily used in smoothies, shakes, and various sweet dishes. Although they are not suitable for raw consumption, they are prized for their rich taste and texture.
2. Hallawi Hallawi dates can be consumed both raw and dried (as chuhara). These dates are early fruiting, tolerant to rain, and produce high yields (around 50-80 kg per tree). Known for their sweet flavor, Hallawi dates are versatile and popular in many dishes.
3. Zahidi A mid-season variety, Zahidi dates are semi-dry and small in size. They have a distinct texture, making them highly suitable for processing into pind khajoor. Due to their texture and size, they are not ideal for raw consumption but are widely used in various processed forms.
4. Khadrawi Slightly less sweet than Medjool, Khadrawi dates are soft and silky with a golden-red flesh. These dates are available in the fall and early winter. They are highly favored for their smooth texture and consistency, making them a top choice for consumers seeking soft, moist dates. Khadrawi is a high-yielding cultivar with smaller trees.
5. Barhee Barhee dates are small, spherical, and sweet, with a smooth, crunchy texture and a golden-yellow color. They are high in flesh content and are suitable for raw consumption. This variety is also highly productive, yielding 60-110 kg per tree.
6. Hayany These dates are soft, oblong, and dark brown, with a rich, sweet flavor. Hayany dates are typically used in desserts and dishes, but they are also excellent for raw consumption. The average yield per palm is around 30-40 kg.
7. Deglet Deglet dates are medium-sized with a semi-dry texture and a crunchy bite. They are available in late summer and fall and range in color from yellow to amber. These dates are less sweet than Medjool and have a large seed. The semi-dry texture and crunchiness make them ideal for processing and snacking.
8. Kimia Known for their meaty texture and smooth skin, Kimia dates are brown-black and widely regarded as one of the most delicious varieties. They are suitable for both raw and dry consumption and are often used in desserts. Kimia dates are perfect for table use and are known for their rich taste and texture.
