What are Zahedi Dates?

Nutrient	Amount
Calcium	59.5 mg
Iron	3 mg
Potassium	0.64 mg
Sodium	10 mg
Fructose	72.9 g
Protein	1.75 g
Fiber	5.7 g
Carbohydrates	65.5 g

 

Zahedi Dates Calories

The calories in Zahedi dates are of a good kind, easily burned by the body during metabolism. The sugar in Zahedi dates is fructose, which makes them safe and even beneficial for people with diabetes or dietary restrictions. Each Zahedi date contains 24 calories, and per 100 grams, they provide 300 calories of energy. Interestingly, the drier a date is, the higher its calorie content meaning Zahedi dates, being dry, have more calories than many fresh date varieties.

Zahedi Dates Types and Origin

Zahidi dates are cultivated and harvested across all of Iran’s southern coastal provinces, including Sistan and Baluchestan, Bushehr, Khuzestan, Bandar Abbas, and Fars. This date comes in three quality grades:

1. premium grade
2. grade two
3. waste

Stay with AriaExport as we dive into each one in greater detail below.

1. Premium Grade

The grade one type has a soft texture and is well-suited for export. most of them exported to Persian Gulf countries and Russia. They are large and uniform in size. Premium Zahedi dates range in color from light brown to chocolate brown, with a soft texture and a pleasant sweetness. You’ll find grade one Zahedi dates mainly in Bushehr, Khuzestan, and Fars, though they’re available in other areas too.

2. Grade Two

Grade two is good for daily consumption. Grade two Zahedi dates are not exported and are used to supply the domestic market’s date consumption. The difference between grade two Qasb and grade one lies in their smaller size and lower price. In terms of color, they don’t differ much from grade one Zahedi dates.

3. Waste 

The waste type isn’t fit for human consumption and is mostly used as animal feed.

Notice: There are also Iraqi and American types of Zahedi dates, which come in various quality grades and compete with the Iranian variety.

Zahidi Dates Benefits

We mentioned that Zahedi dates have a warm and dry nature. This makes them an excellent choice for people with a cold and moist temperament. For those with other temperaments, eating them is perfectly fine too. Their sweetness comes from fructose, considered the best type of sugar for providing body energy. Some of the benefits of Zahedi dates include:

• Controlling blood sugar due to their natural fruit sugar, suitable for diabetics and anyone avoiding processed sugars.
• Strengthening the nervous system and preventing Alzheimer’s thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Serving as an effective, organic remedy to boost libido, improve fertility, and address male sexual weaknesses.
• Preventing cancer, especially in the digestive system.
• Aiding digestion and gut health with their high-quality fiber content.
• Supporting pregnant mothers by easing childbirth and breastfeeding mothers by providing essential nutrients and minerals for both mother and child.
• Enhancing bone tissue due to a good amount of calcium in this date variety.
• Helping treat anemia with its high iron content.
• Promoting skin health by supplying compounds needed for freshness and vitality.
• Reducing depression symptoms through chemical compounds that support the nervous system.
• Meeting the body’s vitamin needs and benefiting athletes with its high vitamin and energy levels.

Disadvantages of Zahedi Dates

Zahedi dates, due to being hard to digest and having a sticky texture, are not suitable for infants and may pose a choking hazard. Since these dates are dry, sulfites are sometimes added to extend their shelf life, and consuming dates with sulfites can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Some people believe that because the sugar in dates is natural, it doesn’t harm the mouth or teeth, but this is a misconception excessive consumption can lead to tooth decay. Additionally, because of their difficult digestion and stickiness, they’re unsafe for infants and could cause choking. Dates can also worsen allergies, so for people with asthma, eating them might increase asthma attacks. Furthermore, for individuals who have trouble digesting fructose, overconsumption of dates can lead to digestive issues.

How to Store Zahedi Dates

Zahedi dates have a long shelf life and can be kept for 1 to 3 years without losing quality. For a few months of storage, it’s best to place them in a dry, cool spot. A refrigerator works well too, but choose a section that isn’t too cold to avoid hardening their texture. For longer storage, like a year, keep them in the refrigerator at a temperature above zero.

A temperature of 4°C is perfect for this type of date. Another point to consider is keeping Zahedi dates away from animals and insects like ants. A dry storage spot is also key, as moisture can make the dates prone to mold.

How to choose Zahedi dates

To choose good Zahidi dates, first check the skin to make sure it’s not damaged or rotten; this is one of the most important tips. Then, pay attention to the size and shape; fresh Zahedi dates shouldn’t be too dry or wrinkled. The softer the texture and flesh, the fresher they are. Their color should range from light brown to dark chocolate brown. When you eat them, you should taste their freshness. If you find Zahedi dates with these qualities, know that they’re suitable for buying and eating.

Zahedi Dates VS. Others

We have prepared a table below that compares Zahedi dates with other dates, as follows:

• Zahedi dates vs. Medjool dates
• Zahidi dates vs. Piarom dates
• Zahedi dates vs. Mazafati dates