Kurma (Dates) are fruits that come from different types of palm trees. Kurma have been consumed for over 6,000 years.

Because of its sweet taste, kurma are often used in various recipes and snacks. Apparently, there are dozens of types of kurma. What are the types of kurma?

Medjool kurma

Medjool kurma are one of the most popular types of kurma because of their sweet taste and large size.

These Moroccan kurma are usually sold dried, and are softer and stickier than other types of kurma, making them easier to use in certain recipes.

Medjool kurma also contain more sugar and fiber than Deglet Noor kurma, which is good for digestion.

Deglet Noor Kurma

Deglet Noor kurma are a type of date known for their stiff texture, making them easy to use in cooking.

This type of date can be used in many recipes, from fancy dishes to bakery products or traditional cooking.

Deglet Noor kurma can be yellow or amber in color, and have a stiff, semi-dry flesh, according to Tasting Table.

These kurma are perfect for making date sugar, syrup, and can be used in cakes due to their consistent texture.

Ajwa Kurma

Ajwa kurma are popular in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Ajwa is purplish black in color, round in shape, and hard in texture. The flavor of Ajwa is similar to chocolate, amber, and caramel.

Ajwa kurma are smaller and less sweet compared to Medjool kurma, however, Ajwa can sweeten black coffee or be eaten with a few pieces of chocolate as a snack.

Honey and Piarom Kurma, Similar in Flavor to Honey and Chocolate

Honey Kurma

Honey kurma are a type of date that is soft and tastes sweet like honey.

The skin color of these kurma can be light or dark brown, they are softer than most types of kurma, and have a buttery texture.

Honey Kurma make a great natural sweetener for cakes, cookie dough, ice cream, and oat porridge. Due to their soft texture, they can be melted into caramel sauces.

Piarom Kurma

Piarom kurma are popularly known as chocolate kurma due to their sweet, chocolate-like flavor.

However, these kurma from Iran are an expensive variety as they can only grow in limited mountainous areas.

These kurma are dark brown in color with a thin skin. According to Arad Branding, Piarom kurma have fewer calories than other date varieties, making them suitable for diabetics.

Mazafati kurma

Mazafati kurma are a type of Iranian kurma that have a lot of water, so they fall under the category of wet kurma.

There are three types of Mazafati kurma: fresh with 30% water, semi-dry with 20-25% water, and dry with 16% water.

Mazafati kurma are usually black in color with a thin skin that is easy to open. They taste very sweet and can be used as a sugar substitute.

Mazafati also contains more iron compared to other types of kurma, which is great for healthy hair growth.

Barhi kurma

Barhi kurma belong to the group of soft kurma. Barhi kurma are famous for being similar to butterscotch candies when ripe, but have a wide variety of flavors when ripe.

According to Specialty Produce, the uniqueness of these kurma is that they can be consumed at all three stages of ripening.

The khalal stage means half-ripe and has a crunchy flavor, which can be mixed into salads.

The rutab stage is half-ripe and has a creamy consistency. Kurma at this stage can be used to sweeten syrups, pastes, sauces, and wine.

Finally, the tamr stage is when the fruit is fully ripe and its sweetness reaches its peak, giving it a unique caramel flavor.
Rabbi and Sayer Kurma

Rabbi kurma

These kurma are long oval shaped and usually red in color, so they look different from other types of kurma.

Rabbi kurma are semi-dry kurma, so they have little water content and can last longer, as reported by Tasting Table.

These kurma from Iran are suitable for consumption by people with diabetes or high blood pressure due to their high fructose and lactose content.

Rabbi kurma can also help digestion due to their high fiber content, and help people suffering from anemia due to their high mineral content.

Sayer Kurma

Sayer kurma are a type of date fruit that is only found in Iran. Sayer kurma are one of the sweetest types of kurma in the world, with a sugar content of around 75%.

Sayer kurma have a light brown color and soft flesh with a caramel-like flavor.

Sayer kurma can be consumed directly, but are also used as a sweetener in cakes, desserts, and ice cream.

Dayri Kurma

Dayri kurma are oval-shaped with a single seed covered by soft flesh. They are dark brown or black in color and not as fibrous as other kurma.

These kurma from Basra, Iraq are less sweet than Medjool kurma and have an earthy flavor.

Dayri kurma are suitable for both sweet and savory dishes. Dayri kurma can also be used as a sweetener, paste, and mixed with other foods such as ice cream, smoothies, or oat porridge.
Today they are also cultivated in the United States.

Halawi kurma

Halawi kurma also originate from Iraq and were cultivated in California in the early 20th century.

The name “halawi” comes from the Arabic word meaning “sweet”. These kurma are indeed sweet, with a buttery and caramel-like flavor.

Halawi kurma are honey-colored, have a thin skin, and an elongated oval shape.

Halawi kurma are a semi-dry date variety, and are sometimes used when they are not fully ripe, harder, and less sweet.

However, these kurma have more uses when they are fully ripe.

Sukarry Kurma

Sukkary kurma are a type of date fruit native to Saudi Arabia that only grows in the Al Qassim region.

These kurma are known as “royal kurma” for their exquisite flavor and special texture. They are very sweet and soft like honey with a light brown color.

Sukkary kurma are often eaten when breaking the fast during Ramadan and have an important spiritual significance.

Khudri Kurma

Khudri kurma are smaller than other kurma. They have a reddish, white, or black color and a soft, chewy texture.

Sweet red Khudri kurma are the most common and widely used type.

Black kurma have more iron content and a slightly bitter taste. Meanwhile, white kurma have a soft and smooth flavor.

Khudri kurma are hard to find and tend to be expensive.

Zahidi Kurma

Zahidi kurma are the fruit of the date tree that are highly prized for their beauty. These kurma are perfect for export as they are easy to maintain their shape.

These kurma from Iram are medium in size, round in shape, golden in color, and sweet with a nutty flavor.

The texture of Zahidi kurma is slightly chewy and slightly dry and the flavor is buttery and similar to dried apricots, according to Tasting Table.

These kurma can be used in sweet and salty recipes as they are not overly sweet like other date varieties.

Safawi kurma

Safawi kurma are a type of date cultivated in Medina, Saudi Arabia. These kurma are deep black in color, larger than usual, and similar to medjool kurma.

Sawafi kurma come from highly productive date trees, so they are relatively cheaper and available all year round.

According to Oasis Date, Safawi kurma have many health benefits and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.

One of the most important health benefits of Safawi kurma is that they help maintain the function of the digestive tract. Safawi kurma have lower levels of gluten, making them suitable for people with diabetes.