What are Medjool Dates? Benefits, Uses, & More

There’s a lot of talk about medjool dates with Ramadan just around the corner and National Medjool Date Day a few days away on February 4. Let’s take a look at their benefits, uses, and more:

What are Medjool Dates

Known as the ‘king of dates,’ medjool dates are the most popular variety of date. They are large with soft, tender flesh and glossy maple brown skin that can have varying levels of skin separation. They are most often sold with their pith intact to preserve quality as their soft flesh does not hold in storage once pitted.

What Makes a Medjool Date Fancy?

When you hear that a medjool date is ‘fancy,’ it’s referring to the date class, or grade. The highest quality medjools have little to no separation of their skin from their flesh. In the US, this class is referred to as ‘fancy.’ You may also hear premium, grade 1, or grade A. There are grade B dates, known as choice, commercially available, which offer more skin separation but with the same flavor.

What do Medjool Dates Taste Like?

Medjool dates are the sweetest of the date varieties. Its flavor combines notes of caramel, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon.

What Are the Benefits of Medjool Dates?

Medjool dates have been long associated with good health. They contain sources of potassium and fiber, along with phytochemicals like flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenols, and more.

How to Store Medjool Dates

Store medjool dates cold, roughly 32-39°F with a relative humidity of 75%. Note that dates can absorb strong odors and should be stored away from odor producing items like garlic or onion.

How to Use Medjool Dates

Medjool dates are popular during Ramadan to break the days fast. Due to their sweetness, medjools are commonly eaten out of hand. They can also be popularly paired with honey, peanut butter, or Nutella as an energy enhancing snack.

Remember that medjools commonly have a pit, which should be removed and discarded prior to consumption.