* Ajwa dates contain protein, carbohydrates, dietary fibre and healthy fats. As far as vitamins, they are literally packed with vitamins A, B6, C, E and K. They also contain carotenoids which are part of the vitamin A family and great for eyesight. Other vitamins contained include folate, niacin, thiamine and riboflavin.
* The use of Ajwa dates during and after pregnancy improves blood circulation in mother and baby bodies and is very helpful for growth of mother milk as well.
* Safawi dates are a special variety of dates mainly grown in Saudi Arabia in the Al-Madina region. Safawi dates are a soft, semi-dried date variety.
* Characteristically identified by their particular deep black colour, their length and medium size.
They share similarities with Ajwa dates such as taste.
They are however more oblong in shape as compared to the Ajwa date.
The Safawi variety of date palm is characterized by its productivity and this makes the dates easily available and easy to get at any time of the year as opposed to the rest of the other varieties.
* Although easily available, it remains one of the best date varieties and one of those with the highest demand due to the health benefits.
* Sukkary means "sugary" in Arabic and Sukkary are among the softest and sweetest variety of dates. They are "melt in your mouth"soft with a moist, creamy texture and golden colour. They are a favourite of many throughout the world.
* Medjool dates have a rich almost caramel taste and a soft, chewy texture whereas regular dates. The Medjool is a distinct landrace, described as producing "large soft fruit, with orange-yellowish flesh, and a mildly rich and pleasing flavour.
* Mabroom dates are a type of soft dry date variety that is grown mainly in Saudi Arabia.
* The mabroom has a dark maroon colour, with an elongated shape. Mildly sweet and chewy flesh.
* Mabroom dates have a long slender body.
* They have skin that is almost translucent and dark brown in colour.
* The flesh has supple wrinkles.
* The mabroom date is not very sweet but has a characteristic taste and chewy flesh. When dried, it has a unique texture that is both soft and firm, with a fibrous taste.
* They are similar to Khudri dates but are longer and smaller in size. They have a light colour and look wrinkled in appearance but they do not flake.
