Medjool Dates

Due to their size, sweetness, and chewy taste, and soft texture, Medjool dates are known as the "king of dates". Besides, they stand out from other species of dates with their rich, decadent flavor and moist, fudgy texture. Also, it’s a nutritious snack option because they are a high source of fiber, potassium, and other minerals. Many people consider Medjool dates as gift item while visiting friends and family. Moreover, it’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of cuisines, both sweet and savory.

How to recognise a high-quality medjool date?

1. Taste: Medjool date should taste rich sweet and creamy without any hints of saltiness. Besides that, it should give little hints of toffee and caramel while eating the date.
2. Texture: A good toffee-like texture is expected from Medjool dates. Dates should have the right consistency—not too firm or soft, devoid of sugar crystals. Without exerting excessive pressure, you should be able to squeeze the dates in your finger. Around 22% to 26% moisture content is ideal, and the flesh should appear glossy and juicy.

4. Size: Size is not a crucial component of quality. However, larger fruit often has denser pulp and larger date looks prettier and is more inviting.
5. Skin separation: Skin Separation is the least significant aspect of quality. Low skin separation costs more because it makes an attractive appearance. However, the freshness of the Medjool Date is not determined by its loose skin. Specifically, Medjool dates with significant skin separation may appear dry to the untrained eye, yet typically the reverse is true. High skin separation often indicates a fruit that is juicy and moist.

How to recognise a bad or low-quality medjool date?

1. Sugar Bloom: Crystallization of the sugars in the Medjool body is known as sugar bloom. However, it is considered as minor defect which indicates the date was kept in a warm place for long time. Amazingly, it is perfectly safe to eat. Even, many people prefer the crunchiness of sugar bloom.
2. Insect damage: Sometimes insects infect the Medjool date during the cultivation period. Most of the time, the infected date is removed while separating. This is more typical with organic Medjool dates because no pesticides are used in their cultivation.

The most common insects that can infest dates at different stages of growth and storage

• Date palm scale (Parlatoria blanchardi)
• Red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus)
• Date moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae)
• Date mite (Oligonychus afrasiaticus)
• Carob moth (Apomyelois ceratoniae)
• Spider mite (Tetranychus spp.)
• False codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta)
• Date bug (Ommatissus lybicus)

 3. Black Mold: Aspergillus is a type of mold that attacks Medjool dates and causes aspergillosis. When attacked the Medjool date, black powder like is formed inside the dates. According to the study of Volkani Institute (Israel), The Aspergillus mold present in Medjool dates doesn't produce toxins that are harmful to people. When categorizing the dates, the majority of black mold cases are removed.

 4. Fermentation: Medjool dates with a high-water content (28 percent or greater) may ferment just like fresh fruit. Fermented dates typically have fermented smell and are very mushy.