The Complete Guide to Dates: Varieties, Taste, Choosing & Storing

This complete guide to dates is for anyone who has stood in front of a shelf of dates and wondered: what is the difference between Ajwa and Medjool? Why is Sukkari so sweet? Which dates are best for breaking the fast, for the kids, or for a gift to your boss? At AlSultanFood we sell dates imported from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran and Tunisia — and each kind has something special about it.

Below we walk through every variety in our shop, explain size grades, share storage tips that keep dates at their best, and suggest gift ideas for Ramadan, Hari Raya and celebrations.

Why dates are so special

Dates have been part of Muslim life for centuries. Breaking the fast with dates is a widely practised Sunnah, which is why demand jumps every Ramadan. But dates are not just for the fasting month — many people snack on them all year because they are naturally sweet, travel well and need no preparation.

Flavour and texture vary enormously between varieties. Some are soft and juicy, some are firm outside and tender inside, some are large and meaty, others small and dense. Knowing these differences helps you find the dates you genuinely love.

The date varieties at AlSultanFood

Ajwa — the Sunnah date of Madinah

Ajwa comes from Madinah. It is dark, almost black, medium-sized, soft, and gently sweet. It holds a special place for Muslims because of its link to Madinah and the Sunnah tradition. Our Premium Ajwa Dates from Madinah come in four size grades — Small, Medium, Large and Jumbo. For better family value, try the Ajwa Mix AA & VIP 1kg. Read more in our Ajwa size guide.

Medjool — the “King of Dates”

Medjool is famous for its size and its thick, soft, sweet flesh. Its luxurious look makes it a favourite for gifts and special occasions. We stock the Premium Medjool Gift Box in Jumbo and Medium grades, and the Super Jumbo Medjool Gift Box from Egypt for the very biggest dates.

Sukkari — Rutab and Mufattal

Sukkari is a Saudi date known for its sweetness. It comes in two textures: Sukkari Rutab, semi-ripe, very soft, slightly juicy and honey-sweet; and Sukkari Mufattal, firmer outside, soft inside and not sticky.

Mabroom — firm outside, soft inside

Premium Mabroom Dates from Madinah are long and slender with a reddish-brown colour. The skin is slightly dry, the flesh soft, and they are not sticky — perfect for the office or a school lunchbox.

Safawi — soft and dense

Safawi dates from Madinah are dark, with soft, dense flesh and a natural sweetness. Their pleasant texture makes them a popular everyday date.

Mariami — mildly sweet

Mariami dates have a moderate sweetness, a good fit if you find some dates too sugary.

Iranian Rotab — soft as honey

AlShifa Rotab Honey Dates come from Bam, Iran. These dark dates are very soft and moist, with a sweetness that recalls honey. Buy them by the pack or by the carton.

Frozen dates — soft and fresh

Frozen dates are kept frozen so they stay soft and fresh, and many people love their sweetness eaten cold. Please note: because they must stay frozen, frozen dates are not shipped to Sabah, Sarawak or Labuan.

Understanding date grades and sizes

Many varieties are sold by size grade. Grade names differ between varieties, but the idea is simple: the bigger the date, the thicker the flesh and the more impressive it looks.

• Small / Medium — great for everyday eating and easier on the wallet.
• Large / Jumbo — meatier, ideal for guests and gifts.
• Super Jumbo — the largest grade, for luxury and corporate gifts.
• Mix — several sizes in one pack, better value for families.

Size does not decide flavour — a small date tastes just as good as a big one of the same variety. Choose by purpose: something economical for yourself, something large for gifting.

How to choose the right dates for you

1. 1Love soft, sweet dates? Go for Sukkari Rutab, Rotab Honey Dates or Medjool.
2. 2Dislike sticky fingers? Try Mabroom or Sukkari Mufattal.
3. 3Want dates from Madinah? Choose Ajwa, Safawi or Mabroom.
4. 4Prefer less sweetness? Try Ajwa or Mariami.
5. 5Want to taste them all? Get the 5-in-1 Mixed Dates Platter.
6. 6Buying a gift? Pick a Medjool gift box, an Ajwa gift box or the platter.

Everyday ways to enjoy dates

• Iftar — a few dates and a glass of water, following the Sunnah.
• Sahur — dates with milk or oats to start the day.
• Office snack — Mabroom and Mufattal are not sticky and travel well.
• Kids’ lunchbox — a few dates (remove the stones for little ones).
• Smoothies — blend dates with banana and milk for natural sweetness.
• Stuffed dates — split a Medjool and fill with almonds, walnuts or cream cheese.
• Salads and desserts — chop and scatter over salads, yogurt or ice cream.

How to store dates so they stay delicious

Most dried and semi-dried dates keep well in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Once a pack is open, move the dates to an airtight container to keep out moisture and insects.

• Soft dates such as Rotab are best kept in the fridge once opened.
• Frozen dates must stay in the freezer until you are ready to eat them.
• Always check the expiry date on the pack.
• If you buy a big pack, split it into smaller containers so the rest stays fresh.

Dates as gifts: Ramadan, Hari Raya and celebrations

Dates are a gift almost everyone appreciates. For Ramadan, the Ajwa Ramadan Gift Box and the Super Jumbo Medjool Gift Box suit family and business partners alike. For wedding or kenduri door gifts, the Ajwa Mini Gift Box (7 & 3 pieces) is simple, pretty and affordable. For open houses, the Mixed Dates Platter is ready to serve.

For gift sets that pair dates with other Sunnah foods, browse our Sunnah hampers and gift boxes.

Why buy dates from AlSultanFood?

• Halal, legally imported dates.
• Many varieties, grades and sizes in one shop.
• Neatly packed, most in gift boxes.
• Delivery across Malaysia (except frozen dates to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan).
• Use code SULTAN for 5% off with a minimum spend of RM100.