Dubai dates are a type of stone fruit with a pleasant, sweet outer flesh.
Where to find the best dates in Dubai?
In this article, I tell you all about it!
Dates in Dubai: article summary
The importance of dates in Dubai
The date palm, which has survived generations for hundreds of years, even in harsh desert conditions, has a long and illustrious history in the Arab world. The Bedouins are known to thrive on diets based on dates and camel milk. Today, dates are considered the national fruit of the United Arab Emirates.
A recognized leader in date production, the Emirates produce around 40 million date palms, producing 150 different types of fruit. As well as being a delicious snack, dates are used as a natural sweetener in Arabic dishes.
Dates also have an important cultural value. As a sign of gracious hospitality, the fruit is usually offered to visitors with a cup of steaming Arabic coffee in the city's upscale hotels and tourist spots.
The fruit, also known as "tamr" in Arabicis of great importance in Islamic tradition. It is frequently mentioned for its therapeutic and dietary benefits.
Dates are a staple food in the Muslim diet, where they are most often eaten to break the daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
Where can I buy dates in Dubai?
In Dubai, dates come in many shapes and sizes. Visit your local grocery store or souk for a variety of ready-to-eat options, or keep an eye on Emirati brands such as The Date Room and Al Barakah Dates. Alternatively, discerning gourmets should visit the opulent Bateel stores.
Famous for its specialized selection, you can find Bateel dates packaged in unique gift boxes for friends and family. These dates are filled with orange and macadamia peel, candied or richly covered in chocolate.
How do you choose the right variety?
You should book a place at one of the best Emirati restaurants in the region to get a taste of how dates are used in cooking. There's plenty to discover, for example, date syrup adds sweetness to classic Emirati pancakes.
Local sweets such as date crumble or maamoul date cookies never fail to please. Date puddings and date-sweetened chocolate brownies are just two examples of the many dishes that can be made with this fruit.
How can you be sure that the dates you buy are of the highest quality?
If you can see the pit when you hold a date in the sunYou can be sure that these are of the highest quality. This little tip comes in very handy when you're traveling.
Generally speaking, dates in the United Arab Emirates are smaller than dates in Saudi Arabia. People also prefer larger dates, because they are offer more possibilities in the kitchen. Although top-quality dates from the United Arab Emirates are almost as large.
Every Saudi date has an equivalent in the United Arab Emirates. So, whether you prefer a juicy, sweet date or one with a dry texture, you can find both in both countries.
Fish and dates were the only two foods the Emiratis needed to survive. Some Bedouins consumed only a large pot of dates and milk.
If you want to enjoy the best dates in Dubai, I recommend you visit the city's souks. Find out more here, don't hesitate to consult the article I wrote on the subject!
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