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Many intricacies of the holy fasting during Ramadan and how seemingly simple food and beverages carry such significance were revealed to me last year when my dearest friend Farzana welcomed me to an intimate yet grandiose iftar at her home. Her whole family got together, prayed, and then broke their fast with three dates. Food, celebrations, and traditions all had such intricate webs of interdependence that I couldn't help but watch in awe. This was when I learned even more about fasting during Ramadan and the significance of dates. More than 200 distinctly diverse date varieties exist around the globe. What are the variations and distinctions between the various dates? Let's explore 11 such dates which one can have before fasting and after opening the fasting.
During the holy month of Ramadan, dates may be found on Iftar tables worldwide. The gift of dates is said to bring prosperity and faith. An array of sugary treats is made with them by many people.
Khadrawi
Because of their scarcity, Khadrawi dates are highly prized by date connoisseurs. Their tender, melting texture makes them more enjoyable to eat than harder varieties. Khadrawi dates are delicious in baked goods and as a natural sweetener in juice.
Ajwa
Black, curved, and rounded, Ajwa dates are a Medina speciality. Starting each day with one of these vitality pills is a pleasure. In Middle Eastern and North African countries, you may get this wonder fruit in abundance, and it is also a religious staple.
Supple ajwa dates
Zahidi
Zahidi dates are beneficial because they boost memory and eye health while warding off gastrointestinal issues like indigestion. These dates, about the size of a thumb, have lustrous, velvety skin and a sweet flavour. Given the presence of natural syrup, it works wonderfully in the kitchen.
Deglet-Noor
The "vibrant date," or Deglet-Noor, gets its name from the fact that the fruit's flesh becomes a brilliant shade of yellow when left in the sunshine. These brownish-yellow dates, which are only slightly larger than average, have a sweet taste and a dry texture. They are ubiquitous and easy to locate. Just hearing the "Royal Dates" moniker should give you a decent idea of what you're in for. Deglets are delicious due to their mild sweetness, nutty taste, and crisp texture.
Dayri
Dayri dates are unique because of their velvety texture and subtle sweetness. It's one of the most popular dates right now. Dayri has a somewhat oval form and brownish-red skin. The skin of the fruit turns from yellow to black as it ages.
Mazafati
These dates have a flavour reminiscent of chocolate and caramel, despite their supple look and appealing reddish-brown hue. In addition to being a tasty snack, Mazafati dates are a great source of vitamins and fibre.
Rabbi
With its reddish-brown skin and tender, sugary flesh, this date is one of the oldest and most delicious varieties available. These dates are great as a snack on their own or as a sweetener in baked goods like muffins, pies, and cakes.
Thoory
Unique thoory dates, Image Source: Phoenixagrotech.com
In spite of their arid appearance, these dates have a sweet and spicy flavour. Much like an oval of butter, Thoory dates are delicious in baked goods. Thoory signifies "The bull's date". This fruit is frequently called the "bread date" due to its solid, pastry-like appearance and texture.
Safawi
The Medina area of Saudi Arabia is the source of these dates. Since the inception of Islam, they have been a staple of the fasting Muslim's diet during the holy month of Ramadan. Nonetheless, their cultural importance does not detract from their overall excellence. Their darkness also makes them easy to spot.
So, while fasting during Ramadan this year, try to include some of these dates' verities to the sehri and iftar spread. Also, they are great as gifts.
