United News of Bangladesh

Dates hold immense cultural and nutritional significance, especially during the month of Ramadan, when they are traditionally consumed to break the fast. Sourced from various regions, these fruits come in different textures, flavors, and moisture levels, catering to diverse preferences. Rich in essential minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, they serve as a wholesome energy source. Whether consumed as a daily snack or incorporated into traditional dishes, their popularity continues to grow. Let’s explore 10 popular date varieties, their nutritional values, health benefits, and price ranges in Bangladesh. 10 Popular Date Varieties with Price Ranges in Bangladesh  . Ajwa Originating from Medina, Saudi Arabia, Ajwa dates are a distinctive variety of date palms. These medium-sized, oval-shaped fruits are characterized by their deep black skin and soft texture. Nutritionally, Ajwa is virtually fat-free and filled with carbohydrates, including natural sugars and protein. Additionally, this is a good source of dietary fiber, calcium, iron, and potassium. These nutrients support bone health, aiding in muscle function and promoting overall cardiovascular well-being. The high fiber content aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract. Depending on quality, prices currently range from BDT 640 to BDT 800 per kg in local markets across Bangladesh. Some varieties reach BDT 1200 to BDT 2000 in some places. Read more: 10 Best Caffeine-Free Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Teas for Natural Healing Medjool Native to the Tafilalt region of Morocco, Medjools are renowned for their large size and rich, sweet flavor. These dates are cultivated from the Phoenix dactylifera species and are now extensively grown in the United States, Israel, and several Middle Eastern countries. A serving of two dates provides enough calories, primarily from carbohydrates, including plant-based sugars. They contain nutritional fiber and protein, which support digestive health. This fruit is also rich in minerals, offering potassium, magnesium, and both calcium and iron per serving. The high antioxidant content helps combat oxidative stress, while their natural sugars make them an excellent reservoir of quick energy. Additionally, the fiber content aids in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can be beneficial for weight management. Prices range from BDT 920-960 to BDT 1,000-1,800, depending on size and the degree of pre-processing before reaching grocery shelves. Read more: These are the World's 10 Most Expensive Spices Mariyam Primarily cultivated in Iran, Maryams are medium to large-sized dates with a soft, chewy texture and a rich, caramel-like flavor. They are harvested from the Phoenix dactylifera species and are esteemed for their quality and taste. Maryam dates are a valuable source of energy, providing a significant amount of raw sugars that offer a quick energy boost. They are brimming with dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation. Packed with essential minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, they help relax blood vessels and strengthen bones. In various local markets, prices vary from BDT 500 to BDT 1,000. Read more: How to Save Gas While Cooking at Home Khurma Bangladeshi households commonly use the term ‘Khurma Khejur’ for dried dates, a traditional favorite. Derived from the date palm and typically sun-dried, they develop a chewy texture and concentrated sweetness. Dried dates are rich in carbohydrates and natural fiber, providing a powerhouse of energy and aiding in digestion and bowel regularity. Additionally, they offer essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron, contributing to heart health, muscle function, and oxygen transport in the blood. The organic sugars present in them highlight a healthier alternative to refined sugars, and their antioxidant properties help combat oxidative stress in the body. Market rates typically fall between BDT 300 and BDT 800 per kg, though premium varieties may cost between BDT 1,200 and BDT 1,300. Read more: 10 Tasty Bangladeshi Recipes with Flu-fighting Nutrients Sukkari Renowned for its exceptional sweetness, Sukkari is a premium variety originating from Saudi Arabia. These dates are characterized by their golden hue and soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture. From a nutritional standpoint, Sukkari dates are high in natural sugars, providing a quick energy boost. Enough dietary fiber promotes digestive health by aiding in regular bowel movements. With a content of potassium, it supports heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure. Moreover, they are a good source of antioxidants, which help protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation. Costs vary from BDT 250 to BDT 630, depending on quality. Read more: How to Safely Enjoy Street Food in Bangladesh Mabroom Cultivated originally in Saudi Arabia, Mabroom dates are distinguished by their elongated shape and reddish-brown color. With a firm texture and mildly sweet taste, they are a popular choice for those who prefer less-sugary varieties. Mabrooms are a rich repository of whole-food fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract. The fruit also provides significant amounts of potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and iron. Packed with a high level of Potassium and magnesium, it maintains heart health and muscle function, while boasting vitamin B6, it plays a role in brain health and mood regulation. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood. Costs range from BDT 400 to 450 per kg, while select varieties from Saudi Arabia are priced at BDT 1,200. Read more: Healthy Sehri Meal Recipes for Ramadan Fasting Kalmi Also known as Safawi dates, Kalmi originates in the Al-Madina region of Saudi Arabia. Characterized by their deep black color, these fruits are medium to long in size and have a soft, moist texture. They are loaded with unrefined sugars, providing a quick energy boost, and are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. Additionally, the date contributes a considerable share of potassium, magnesium, and iron. These minerals help regulate blood pressure and support heart health, muscle and nerve function, and the formation of hemoglobin. Market rates around Kalmi typically fall between BDT 800 to 1,000 per kg. Read more: Microwave Cooking: 7 Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes Ambar Also spelled ‘Anbara’, Ambar is a distinguished strain originating from the Medina. Like other dates harvested from the Phoenix dactylifera, it highlights an elongated shape and a dark brown to almost black hue. Ambar is filled with natural sugars, natural fiber, and essential minerals like iron, potassium, and magnesium. So, incorporating Ambar dates into a diet means maintaining better functionality in digestion, blood pressure, muscle, and bone. With prices ranging from BDT 700 to BDT 1,600, costs fluctuate based on availability and demand in local markets. Read more: Homemade Instant Powdered Fruit Drink Recipes for Iftar Zahidi Originating in Iraq, this prominent category of dates is medium-sized, with a light golden-brown color and a distinct oval shape. They are semi-dry with a firm texture and a mildly sweet, nutty flavor. Zahidi dates are a vital supplier of digestive fiber, carbohydrates, plant-based sugars, potassium, and Sodium. It also has Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Iron, Flavonoids, and Amino acids. They actively support digestive health, regulate blood pressure, and enhance oxygen transport in the bloodstream. Prices start at BDT 220 per kg and can reach BDT 250. Read more: Beat Dehydration with These Summer Vegetables Dabbas Predominantly farmed in the United Arab Emirates, Dabbas are tiny to average-sized dates recognized for their dark brown color and soft, tender texture. Harvested from Phoenix dactylifera, these esteemed fleshes are a staple in Emirati cuisine. Dabbas dates are rich in fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, and selenium. Fruits can uplift digestion, cardiovascular health, and the oxygen transportation system in the blood. They also have properties for anti-dehydration and maintaining sodium and potassium balance. Dabbas are typically priced at BDT 400 to BDT 700 per kg. Read more: Summer Drinks: Refreshing Homemade Sherbets to Beat the Heat Bottom Line All 10 of these finest date varieties offer distinct flavors, each contributing to an overall boost in immunity. Ajwa, with its deep black hue, is rich in antioxidants. Medjools are large and naturally sweet, making them a popular snack. Mariyam is prized for its soft texture, while Khurma Khejur is a staple in South Asia. Sukkaris are known for their caramel-like sweetness, and Mabroom has a chewy texture and deep flavor. Ambars are large and nutrient-rich, while Zahidi offers a mildly nutty taste. Dabbas are recognized for their soft flesh, and Kalmi (Safawi) dates are packed with essential minerals. These dates hold great significance during Ramadan, providing energy to endure long hours of fasting. However, the prices of different date varieties in Bangladesh may vary depending on the sellers. Read more: Fridge Smells Bad? Reasons and How to Get Rid of It

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ranked first globally in terms of the value of date exports in 2021, according to the Trade Map of the International Trade Center.  The value of Saudi exports of dates in 2021 reached SR1.2 billion ($320 million), said the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday quoting the Saudi Press Agency. The Kingdom also realised the highest annual growth rate of exports over the past five years of 12.5 percent, with exports entering 113 countries.  The National Center for Palms and Dates said the achievement reflected the interest of the Saudi leadership in enhancing non-oil exports, developing the work system in planting and improving the production of palm, and the leading role of partners, mainly the producers and exporters of dates.  READ: Saudi Arabia bans citizens from travelling to 16 countries, including India, over new COVID-19 outbreaks It said the Saudi Vision 2030 placed a lot of attention on the palm and dates sector through its development and sustainability, working early to prepare and implement programs to develop this sector and increase its contribution to the gross domestic product.  The value of palms and dates in Saudi Arabia is almost SR7.5 billion, 12 percent of the agricultural gross product and 0.4 percent of the non-oil gross product.  The UN Food and Agriculture Organization congratulated Saudi Arabia on this achievement.