Iran, a warm land with a climate ideal for cultivating one of the most nutritious and beloved fruits in the world—dates—is home to more than 400 varieties of this sweet treasure. Rich in energy, fiber, and essential minerals, dates offer both flavor and health benefits. As the second-largest producer of dates globally, Iran plays a leading role in the international date export market.
In this article, we explore some of the most popular and commercially valuable Iranian date varieties that have the potential to transform your product lineup:
1.Mazafati Dates – The Black Jewel of Iran
* Appearance: Oval-shaped with a rounded tip, thin skin, dark brown to shiny black color
* Taste: Sweet and mild
* Benefits: Rich source of energy and potassium
* Ideal for: Premium markets, export packaging
Why choose Mazafati?
Mazafati is the most popular Iranian export date. Its exceptional taste, high moisture content, and good shelf life make it a top choice for discerning customers.
2.Medjool Dates – The King of Dates
* Appearance: Large and fleshy, reddish-brown skin tightly adhered to the flesh
* Taste: Intensely sweet with a caramel flavor
* Benefits: Supports heart health, improves digestion, boosts immunity, strengthens bones, and the nervous system
* Ideal for: Luxury markets, exports to Europe, the USA, and GCC countries
Why choose Medjool?
Dubbed the “King of Dates,” Medjool is prized for its large size, attractive appearance, and exceptional taste. Iran’s high-quality Medjool dates are gaining popularity worldwide, especially in gourmet desserts, chocolate production, and luxury gift packaging.
3.Piarom Dates – The Queen of Dates
* Appearance: Large and elongated, thin skin, dark brown, semi-dry
* Taste: Sweet and pleasant with a caramel undertone
Types of Piarom Dates:
* Black Piarom: Strong, bold flavor, premium quality
* Golden Piarom: Milder taste, more limited availability
* Benefits: Provides energy, improves nervous and digestive systems, treats anemia, helps prevent Alzheimer’s
* Ideal for: Diabetic consumers, European markets
Why choose Piarom?
Piarom is a luxurious, highly nutritious date with a long shelf life. Its mild taste and non-sticky texture make it truly unique.
4.Zahedi Dates – A Budget-Friendly Choice with Broad Appeal
* Appearance: Oval-shaped with a pointed tip, light yellow to reddish-brown, thick skin, dry texture
* Taste: Mildly sweet
* Benefits: High in fiber, potassium, calcium, iron, and antioxidants; supports digestion and immunity
* Ideal for: Food industry, budget packaging, bulk distribution
Why choose Zahedi?
Affordable yet high-quality, Zahedi is an excellent choice for general and industrial use.
5.Kabkab Dates – A Traditional and Authentic Flavor
* Appearance: Oval, thick-skinned, fleshy texture
* Taste: Sweet, balanced, velvety
* Benefits: Energizing, supports heart and bone health, strengthens the immune system, has anticancer properties, aids digestion
* Ideal for: Domestic and traditional markets
Why choose Kabkab?
Kabkab offers an authentic Iranian taste and holds a special place in many households. Its affordability makes it perfect for bulk sales.
6.Rabbi Dates – A Convenient Export Option
* Appearance: Oval and elongated, semi-dry, dark brown with thin skin
* Taste: Sweet, mild, with a hint of caramel
* Benefits: High in natural sugars, fiber, vitamins, and minerals; great energy booster
* Ideal for: Export packaging
Why choose a Rabbi?
Easy to transport and store, Rabbi dates are a reliable choice for exports to Asian and European markets.
7.Sayer (Estameran) Dates – Long-Lasting Flavor
* Appearance: Elongated oval, semi-dry, dark brown to glossy black, medium-sized with thin skin
* Taste: Naturally sweet and mild without being overly sugary
* Benefits: High in fiber and natural energy, rich in minerals, suitable for diabetics
* Ideal for: Athletes, diabetics, and the food industry
Why choose Sayer?
Thanks to its long shelf life, affordability, availability, and natural properties, Sayer is an excellent export option.
8.Khassui Dates – A Delicate Delight
* Appearance: Small and delicate, oval-shaped, soft and smooth, light brown color
* Taste: Mildly sweet and fragrant
* Benefits: Energizing, rich in vitamins, aids digestion, good for the heart and nerves
* Ideal for: Children, the elderly, the confectionery industry
Why choose Khassui?
With its unique flavor, high nutritional value, and ideal size, Khassui is a great choice for exports.
9.Shahani Dates – The Honey of the Palm Grove
* Appearance: Long and slender, medium to large, soft and fleshy, light brown
* Taste: Very sweet with a caramel-like flavor
* Benefits: Nutritious energy source, supports gut health, rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, and antioxidants
* Ideal for: Daily consumption, children, and elderly, date syrup, and traditional sweets
Why choose Shahani?
Affordable and high in quality, Shahani is a natural sugar substitute, widely accessible and suitable for diverse uses.
10.Barhi Dates – The Sweetest of All
* Appearance: Round to slightly oval, small, thin-skinned, soft and tender, semi-transparent golden to light brown
* Taste: Exceptionally sweet, reminiscent of caramel and brown sugar
* Benefits: Excellent energy source, rich in fiber, antioxidants, iron, potassium, magnesium; boosts immunity and brain function, regulates blood pressure
* Ideal for: Eaten alone or with nuts, yogurt, and milk; great for kids, seniors, desserts, and pastries
Why choose Barhi?
As a premium export date with diverse consumption forms and high global demand, Barhi is a top pick for both purchase and export.
11.Kalouteh Dates – The Smart Choice
* Appearance: Medium-sized, elongated oval, soft and fleshy, thin dark brown to blackish skin
* Taste: Sweet, mild, and pleasant
* Benefits: Rich in natural energy, high in fiber, packed with vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, and magnesium; fat-free, cholesterol-free, no additives; helps with anemia, reduces stress, improves memory
* Ideal for: Daily use, offices, factories, export packaging with long shelf life
Why choose Kalouteh?
Affordable, durable, and readily available in both domestic and export markets, Kalouteh is a smart and practical option.
written by: Sara Ebrahimi
