The Complete Guide to Date Varieties: Medjool, Sukkari, Ajwa and Siwi

Standing in front of a wholesale dates shelf, every variety looks tempting — but the differences in sweetness, texture, size, price and best use are significant. This practical guide from Zad Dates walks you through the most famous Egyptian and international date varieties so you know exactly what to buy, for whom, and for which occasion.

Medjool — the luxury queen

The largest and usually most expensive. Amber to reddish-brown, a soft almost-caramel texture that melts in the mouth with honey-caramel notes. Ideal for premium hospitality, nut-stuffed gifting and corporate hampers. Freezes well and is sold by the kilo or in gift boxes.

Sukkari — the sweetest of all

The most requested variety in the Gulf. Cone-shaped, golden, with high clean sweetness without bitterness. Crisp outside, soft inside when fresh (rutab). Best for daily snacking with Arabic coffee — families love it for kids.

Ajwa — the jewel of Madinah

The most religiously and historically celebrated type. Small, almost black, soft yet firm, with a rich dark-caramel taste. Recommended in the Prophetic tradition, strongly tied to Ramadan. Highest antioxidant levels among varieties and stores for years.

Siwi — pride of Egypt's oases

An authentic Egyptian variety from the Bahariya Oasis — our specialty at Zad Dates. Medium to large, light brown to amber, balanced sweetness with a subtle earthy note. Excellent for wholesale and export thanks to its firm texture and long shelf life; the first choice for date factories.

Barhi, Sultani and more

• Barhi: harvested yellow-ripe (khalal), buttery and very sweet — best eaten fresh.
• Sultani: economical, balanced Egyptian date common in wholesale packing.
• Khalas: medium-sweet, soft-firm Saudi favorite.

Which one should you choose?

Final tip

Never judge a variety from one sample — quality varies by season, harvest source and storage. At Zad Dates every bag is hand-selected from the finest oasis crops, and we provide samples before wholesale orders so you can buy with confidence.