Pakistan is a well-known country for the production of dates on a commercial scale. Pakistan produces fruits and vegetables in large quantities throughout the year. In date production, Pakistan ranks third; in fact, date production is the largest commercial fruit in Pakistan. From July to September, it is known as the date harvesting season. There are more than 160 kinds of date palm in Pakistan. Dates in Pakistan that are popular for their exotic taste and their health benefits are Fasli, Maazwati, Dhakki, Kharbalian, Aseel, Zahidi, Begum Jangi, Aseel of Khairpur, Begum Jangi of Mekran, and Dhakki of D.I. Khan. Dates can be exported in two forms: fresh dates and dried dates.
Pakistan dates are admired not just on the national level but also on the international market. They export fresh dates to countries like the USA, Canada, Bangladesh, Indonesia, France, Germany, Malaysia, and the UAE. While in India, they export 90% of dried dates. Dates price in Pakistan vary from region to region, depending on the production amount.
Types of dates
Dates are available in fresh and dried form; both of them have their own benefits. Following are the popular types of dates available in Pakistan:
- Aseel Date
- Ajwa Date
- Dhaki Date
- Rabbi Date
- Sukkari Date
- Zahidi Date
- Ambar khajoor
- Begum Jangi Date
- Medjool dates
Ajwa Date
Ajwa dates have a distinctively fruity, sweet taste, soft texture, and are more chewy. They also have incredible health benefits because they contain fibre, carbs, protein, and many beneficial fats. They do not just stop here; they also contain vitamins in large quantities, like vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K. Carotenoids are present in them, and they play an excellent role in the eyes. As they contain folate, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine, they also help the body in the following ways:
- Maintain heart health.
- Control blood pressure.
- Attack atherosclerosis
- Weight loss
- Protect from infertility.
- It helps with digestion.
- Keep you energised.
Aseel Date
They are also known as choharay. Basically, they are dry dates; they are popular among people for their sweetness and the nutritional value they hold. In 18 grams, it contains the following nutrients:
- Total Fat: 0g
- Total Sugars: 12g
- Total Carbs: 15g 5%
- Dietary Fibre 1g 4%
- Protein 0g 1%
These dates are used as a stuffed or natural sweetener in deserts, to make date pastes, in smoothies, and also in energy bars as an ingredient. These dates also contain magnesium, manganese, calcium, zinc, iron, copper, selenium, and potassium. They play an important role in maintaining body health. The following are a few health benefits:
- Intestinal disorders
- Heart problems
- Anaemia
- Diarrhoea
- Sexual dysfunction
- Weight gain
- Abdominal cancer
Dhaki Date
These dates are produced in Dera Ismail Khan’s small village, Dhaki. These dates are dry in nature and slightly different in taste as compared to other dates; they have hard skin and are a bit crunchy and chewy. Sometimes they are confused with apricot dry fruit because of their appearance. It contains several minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. It plays the following roles in body health:
- Ease Labour
- Support brain
- Heart health
- Digestive,
- Protect against disease.
Rabbi Date
These dates are also known as Balochi dates because of their vast production in Balochistan. These dates are produced in huge amounts for confectionaries and industrial products.
They are soft, brown in colour, and slightly longer than other dates. Its nature is sami-dried while containing almost 15% moisture. It contains 3.5 ounces of this date, which is approximately 100 grams and has 280 calories, 75 grams of carbs, 7 grams of fibre, and 2 grams of protein. They play an important role in maintaining body health. The following are some health benefits:
- Regulate blood pressure
- It helps with gut health.
- Control stress
- Prevent clogged arteries
Sukkari Date
Sukkari, also known as royal dates, are soft in texture and sweet in taste. They are widely popular because of their perfect fusion of dry and moist attributes. They are mostly used in cakes, pastries, smoothies, and salads. It contains vitamins, such as calcium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, and minerals.
They help in maintaining body health, and the following are their health benefits:
- Healthy Bones
- Heart disease
- Weight loss
- Helps the nervous system
- Maintain a muscular system.
- Prevent blood clots.
- Helps in the digestive system
- Low blood sugar level
Zahidi Date
Their origins are from Balochistan and Punjab. They are sweet in taste and have a semi-dry nature, so they are easy to chew, and the sweetness remains the same even though they are half-dry in nature. They contain essential minerals and vitamins. Following are a few benefits that they have for human health:
- Heart Health
- Cholesterol free
- Good source of fibre.
- Contains vitamins and minerals.
- Natural antioxidant polyphenols
- 50% more potassium, by weight, than bananas.
- Adds sweetness to foods without added sugars.
- Improve the taste, texture, and consistency of food products.
Ambar khajoor
These dates are brownish-black in colour and have a meaty texture, making them one of the favorite snacks. They are expensive but rich in fibre, minerals,vitamins, antioxidants, and inflammatory and phytochemical properties. Sweet in nature, but half dry as well. Following are some benefits these dates have for our bodies:
- They are a good source of fibre.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals.
- They can improve your digestion.
- Ambar dates can help you lose weight.
- These dates can help you lower your cholesterol levels.
Begum Jangi Date
These dates have a unique taste and are rich with vitamins, which keep the body healthy and fit. They are also well known for their sweet and exquisite taste; their size is small as compared to other dates, and they are widely used in ice cream, bakery items, and desserts. Other than these, these dates play an important role in body health. A few are mentioned below:
- Prevent constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Inflammation of the digestive tract
Medjool Dates
These dates are originally famous among royalty because it is thought that they fend off fatigue. These dates are well known for their energy-boosting properties because they contain nutrients. Vitamins in vast amounts Only eating two medical dates can give you nutrients in this amount.
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fibre: 3 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sugar: 27 grams
- Carbohydrates: 31 grams
They play an integral role in body health and are the following:
- Improved metabolism
- Digestive health
- Prevent heart disease.
- Support the nervous system.
These were some date types available in Pakistan, but buying dry fruit online in high quality is pretty much a task. There is an Online platform where you can buy dates online Pakistan.
