What are Zahidi Dates?

Zahedi dates, also called Qasb, are grown in Iran’s southern regions near the sea and the Persian Gulf. Their key feature is being dry yet still sweet, setting them apart from other date varieties. These late ripening dates tend to drop a lot. High quality Zahedi dates range from light brown to chocolate brown in color, with slightly firm flesh. Their dryness gives them a long shelf life, lasting 1 to 3 years, making them ideal for transport to other cities and export to different countries. At AriaExport, we deliver these durable, tasty dates straight from Iran’s south.

The skin of a Zahedi date sticks to the flesh at the bottom but puffs up slightly near the top, separating from the flesh. These are traits of the grade one type. It’s a good idea to wash Zahedi dates before eating, as their dryness and storage conditions might leave them with some dust.

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.

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.