Properties of Zahedi Date
Zahedi or Zahidi dates have been recognized globally as the "Ghasb Date Fruit" and have become increasingly famous amongst dried fruit lovers worldwide. Zahidi dates mean "of a small quantity or nobility". These dates originated in the northern region of Iraq and were introduced worldwide around the 1900s. Zahedi dates have been cultivated in Persia for quite some time now.
Zahedi date fruits are not only popular in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking but also make an excellent addition to almost any dish. One of the exciting features of Zahedi dates is their extended shelf life. Thanks to their unique characteristics, these dates can be stored for up to a year without losing their taste or nutritional value, making them an ideal option for exporting and long-term storage.
When it comes to their physical characteristics, Zahedi dates have a moisture content of less than 14%, oval short shape, and yellow to pale brown color. Additionally, their taste is less sweet compared to other date varieties and has a nutty flavor. The skin of a Zahedi date is thick, velvety, and slightly wrinkled, but can be peeled easily. The flesh of the date is thick, not juicy, and has soft golden meat, with an average weight of around 10 to 15 grams and size of about 3.5 centimeters. Zahidi Dates are available in 2 types: wet dates and dry dates.
Nutrition Facts and Benefits of Zahidi Dates
Zahedi dates are considered one of the most nutritious fruits available, especially during Ramadan when they are particularly popular. Boasting an impressive range of benefits, they are enriched with fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, B, and C, making them vital for maintaining good health and protecting one’s cells from cancer. Furthermore, these dates have been shown to improve brain function and provide a natural energy boost, thanks to their high glucose content. With levels of sulfur that are rarely seen in other foods, Zahedi dates can help reduce the impact of allergies and seasonal allergies. They are also a valuable source of potassium, magnesium, and iron, which can be particularly helpful in treating anemia. At just 160 kcal per 100 grams, Zahedi dates are much lower in sugar compared to other dates, making them an ideal dietary choice for those looking to lower their blood pressure or achieve weight loss goals.
Item | Description |
|---|---|
All Names | Ghasb, Ghasab |
Category | Dry |
Moisture | Under 14 % |
Shape | Oval, Short |
Color | Yellow to pale brown |
Taste | Not as sugary as other types of dates, Nutty |
Skin | Thick, Velvety, Slightly wrinkled, Simply peeled |
Flesh | Thick, Not juicy, Soft, Golden meat |
Kernel | One single Core, Oval, Hard |
Weight | Around 10-15 gram |
Size | Medium |
Length | Up to 4 cm |
Harvest Time | From early September to late November |
Shelf Life | 12-18 months, depending on storage conditions |