Dates are one of the well-known and readily available fruits worldwide. Iran is one of the largest producers of various types of dates because the warm climate and suitable environment in this region provide ideal conditions for date palm growth. Dates are derived from palm trees, and there are over 50 several varieties of dates. Some of the famous types and important export varieties of dates include:

Zahedi:

Zahedi Dates are one of the very high-quality varieties of dates which is also known as “Qasab” in some regions. The shape of this date is elongated oval with a very thin and sharp-pointed end. The fruit when ripe ranges in color from light brown to yellow. It is highly favored commercially and is very desirable for storage and transportation due to its ease of handling. It is also considered among export varieties. This type of date is classified among the dried dates.

Kaluteh:

Kaluteh Dates are one of the most special types of dates and falls into the category of semi-dry dates. The highest quality Kaluteh dates are Iranian Kaluteh dates, which have a suitable aroma and taste. The palm of this date is of tall species and takes about 7 to 10 years from planting to harvesting. Due to its soft and fleshy texture, high fiber content, balanced sweetness, large size, rich source of minerals, and essential vitamins, Kaluteh dates have high nutritional value. This type of date is visually similar to Medjool dates but the main difference lies in its lower moisture content and more desirable taste.

Mazafati:

Mazafati dates, also known as “Bam” and “Kimia,” are one of the popular commercial and export varieties. Mazafati dates usually have a moisture content between 20 to 25 percent. Despite the high moisture content, these dates are not considered dried fruits, and their storage conditions are between -5 to 5 degrees Celsius. Mazafati dates are oval-shaped with a soft texture and abundant flesh. The skin of Mazafati dates is black, shiny, smooth, and thin, which easily separates from the flesh. A unique feature of Mazafati dates is the abundant presence of potassium.

Piyarom:

Piyarom Dates are one of the well-known varieties of date palms. Piyarom dates have a very high marketability and have been able to attract the attention of global and international markets very well. This fruit is elongated oval-shaped, with a drawn skin, and has a thin dark brown skin that adheres completely to both the flesh and skin, and its sugar content is of the fructose type. Piyarom dates have high nutritional value. Due to the high tolerance of this tree to salinity, it is cultivated on a wide scale.

Rabbi:

Rabbi Dates are one of the most famous export dates. The best quality Rabbi dates are cultivated in Iran and have high quality. Due to its low moisture content, Rabbi Dates are considered long-lasting dates and this fact makes them not prone to storage problems such as the need for refrigeration. This date has a large and elongated fruit with flesh, dark purple to blackish in color, shiny, transparent, and thin skin. Due to the flesh sticking to the skin, this date can be easily washed.

Sayer:

Sayer dates, also known as “Estamaran,” are one of the famous and exportable dates. Iran is the main center for producing the best and highest quality of Sayer export dates. Some of the characteristics of other dates include its oval shape, light to dark brown color, semi-dryness, and its suitable sugar content. Since Sayer dates are semi-dry, their seeds can be easily separated. Transportation of Sayer dates is much easier due to their semi-dry texture compared to other types of dates. Sayer dates, due to their naturally low sugar content, are one of the best substitutes for sugar in the diet plans of athletes and people with special diets. These dates are rich in various minerals, vitamins, and fiber.

Kabkab:

Kabkab Dates are one of the types of dates in Iran. The fruit color is initially yellow and when ripe, it becomes light brown and burnt brown, and when fully ripe, it turns into dark brown. It is mostly consumed when fully ripe. Unlike other dates, Kabkab dates in their unripe and raw state have a bitter taste. The fruit is oval-shaped, weighing about 15 grams, with a semi-dry texture and light yellow color, and thick skin thickness.