Dates
Zahedi:
A type of date known as Zahedi, or “Ghasab” in some Iranian regions, falls into the semi-dry category. Grown in Iran’s southern and tropical areas, these dates come in shades of yellow to light brown and are prized for their flavor. They’re the most common dried date in Iran, boasting a lower moisture content than other Persian varieties (under 14%). Popular for their quality and nutrition, Zahedi dates are small and round, measuring around 3.5 centimeters.
Kebkab:
Renowned for its distinctive color change, Kabkab is a popular Iranian date variety. While unripe (Rutab), it boasts light to burnt brown tones, maturing to a deep brown hue. Unlike other dates, its unripened (Kharak) stage features a bitter taste. Kabkab transforms into an oval-shaped, light yellow, semi-dry fruit around 15 grams in weight, with a thick outer shell. These dates are a powerhouse of nutrients, rich in iron, natural sugars, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, B, C, and more, making them a healthy and delicious snack.
Mazafati:
Prized for their rich, caramel-like sweetness and soft texture, Mazafati dates hail from Iran. Cultivated from palm trees, these dark brown to black dates are primarily grown in southern Iran. They reign supreme as the most popular table date, perfect for snacking.
