Why Knowing Date Varieties Matters
The market for dates in Depok now offers dozens of varieties, from richly sweet to soft and wet. Unfortunately, many buyers struggle to tell them apart and end up buying on price alone. Yet each date type has a distinct flavour, texture, origin and purpose. As a date store in Depok backed by a 40+ year direct importer, Raja Kurma Depok created this guide so you can choose the dates that best fit your needs.
1. Ajwa Dates — The Black Jewel of Madinah
Ajwa grows around Madinah, Saudi Arabia. It is deep black, soft and firm, with a refined caramel-like sweetness. Ajwa is the most prized variety, widely eaten for the virtues mentioned in hadith. Available in grades A to VVIP. Ideal for sunnah practice and premium gifts.
2. Sukari Dates — Honey-Soft
From Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia, Sukari is golden and famed as one of the sweetest dates. Its texture melts like honey with a caramel taste. This is the highest-volume, best-selling date for iftar and family snacking.
3. Medjool Dates — The Jumbo King
Medjool from Palestine (the Jericho area) is dubbed the "king of dates". It is large with thick flesh and a luxurious caramel sweetness. Per 100 grams it has about 6.7 grams of fibre and is high in potassium, with a relatively low-to-medium glycemic index. Ideal for serving guests and hampers.
4. Safawi Dates — A Budget Alternative to Ajwa
Safawi is also from Madinah, reddish-black with an earthy caramel flavour. As a semi-dry date it stores well and is affordable, making it a budget-friendly Ajwa alternative — one of the best-selling affordable dates in Depok.
5. Mariami Dates — Soft and Chewy from Iran
Mariami is dark brown, soft and chewy, with a mild sweetness and nutty undertone. It has many loyal buyers thanks to its versatile taste and reasonable price.
6. Mazafati/Rotab Bam Dates — The Wet One from Iran
Mazafati (Rotab Bam) comes from Bam, Kerman Province, Iran. It is a wet/semi-fresh date, almost black, with high moisture (32–35%) and a soft, creamy texture. Best enjoyed fresh, but needs refrigeration.
Quick Comparison Table
| Type | Origin | Texture | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajwa | Madinah | Soft, firm | Sunnah, gifts |
| Sukari | Al Qassim | Honey-melt | Iftar, family |
| Medjool | Palestine | Large, chewy | Serving, hampers |
| Safawi | Madinah | Semi-dry | Budget, Ramadan |
| Mariami | Iran | Soft, chewy | Daily snacking |
| Mazafati | Bam, Iran | Wet, creamy | Fresh, chilled |
Tips for Choosing Dates in Depok
Define your purpose first: sunnah practice (Ajwa), sweet snacking (Sukari/Medjool), budget Ramadan stock (Safawi/Mariami), or a wet-date experience (Mazafati). Buy from a seller transparent about origin and grade. At Raja Kurma Depok, every product comes with full details, and fast delivery from our Cakung warehouse reaches all of Depok and Greater Jakarta.
