Description
Safawi dates are an extraordinary form of dates mostly grown in Saudi Arabia in the region of Al-Madina. These dates are a soft, semi-dried date variety; characteristically identified by their particular deep black color, their length and medium size. They share similarities with Ajwa dates such as
Description
Safawi dates are a special variety of dates mainly grown in Saudi Arabia in the Al-Madina region. These are semi-dried variety of dates characteristically identified by their particular deep black color, their length and medium size. They share similarities with Ajwa dates in taste, but in the shape they are more oblong as compared to the Ajwa date. This date palm is characterized by its productivity and this makes the dates easily available and can be obtained at any time of the year unlike the other varieties. Even though easily available, Safawi dates continue to be one of the best date varieties and highly demanded one for the health benefits.
For sweetness in your mouth get the dates for a tone of sweetness in your mouth. The best way to boost the flavor of these dates is by soaking them in milk. With a dry texture outside and the extra-soft sweetness inside, these dates will make you feel fresh the whole day.
These semi-dried Saudi Arabia dates are harvested during the warm summer months of July and August.
How harvested?
There are three main harvesting stages for Safawi dates.
Khalal stage
In which the fruit is physiologically mature. It is hard with a high moisture content (50 – 85 %). It is scarlet red or deep red in color. In this state it is easily perishable and this must be considered in its storage and packaging.
Rutab stage
In which the fruit ripens some more. It becomes darker in color, partially browning starting from the tip. It has a reduced moisture content (30 – 45 %). Its fibers are softened and it is also perishable again requiring special consideration when being stored and packed..
Tamar stage
In which the color changes; becoming darker, brown and almost black. The moisture content is reduced (almost 10-25%) and the fruit is considered dried. The texture also changes from soft and flexible to firm or hard, and the skin of the fruit also becomes crumpled and pushed close to the flesh of the fruit. In this state the fruit is protected from insects. This is the edible stage of the Safawi variety and this is the period at which it is harvested for human consumption.
Production
The Safawi date palm is one of the most productive varieties there. The tree is able to produce a lot of fruit available throughout the year. Safawi dates are mainly consumed locally within Saudi Arabia. The demand of the dates is very for the religious attachment and health significance. About 40% of the dates production is used during the period of Ramadhan. They are also consumed by visitors to Saudi Arabia who come to perform the Hajj yatra to Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.
