Region of Origin
Commodity:
Date Barhi
Description & Origin
Barhi dates are harvested on the stem at the mature yellow stage (known as “khalal”) when still firm. They are prized for their sweet but astringent flavor when firm and their rich, butterscotch-like flavor when ripe. When yellow and very firm, barhi dates are crispy like an apple and astringent with an underlying sweetness strongly reminiscent of maple syrup or white chocolate. As they continue t...
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Fresh dates are a good source of potassium and fiber. They contain large amounts of powerful phytochemicals like flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenols, phytoestrogens, and sterols that are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and have been associated with lower cholesterol and reduced risk of heart disease. Dates have long been associated with good health and protective capabilities in traditional medicine since ancient times.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Bahri dates are usually enjoyed raw out-of-hand as a dessert or energizing snack, however they can also be used culinarily. When crisp, they can be used in salads where an olive-like astringency, but also sweetness, is desired. They can also be lightly pan seared as a warm side dish for meat dishes. When fully ripe at the “rutab” stage, barhi dates can be used much like a medjool, eaten as is, stuffed, blended into smoothies or baked goods, and more.
Flavor Pairings
Thyme, Apricot, Nuts, Honey, Maple Syrup, Chocolate, Cardamom, Cinnamon
How to Prepare
Wash dates gently before eating. Barhi dates can be eaten at any stage of ripeness. When firm and yellow they can be eaten directly off the pit or the flesh can be sliced away from the pit carefully. To ripen the dates, keep them on the stem and refrigerate, ideally in a sealed bag. Note that barhi dates tend to ripen unevenly – some will ripen before others. The pits and stems are generally discarded.
How to Store in the Kitchen
While unripe barhi dates can be stored at room temperature, it is best to store them in a sealed bag in the refrigerator to maintain moisture as they continue to ripen. Once ripe, they must be kept refrigerated or frozen.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
Fully ripe barhi dates can be frozen for future use in baked goods, smoothies, or other desserts.
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
32°F
TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
32-39°F (Cold Storage)
SUBJECT TO CHILLING INJURY:
No
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
90-95%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
Yes - Low
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
Yes - Medium
ETHYLENE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Barhi dates at the khalal stage may respond to ethylene and should be stored away from ethylene-producing items if shelf-life extension is desired.
Quality Assessment
Barhi dates should be smooth, firm, taut, and bright yellow at arrival. It is normal to have a few dates that have ripened in each case, as they ripen unevenly. While soft, caramel-brown dates are normal due to the ripening process. They should be free from mold.
Important Handling
Barhi dates should be stored as close to 32°F as possible, or below, to slow ripening and extend shelf life.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, fresh barhi dates may last in their khalal stage for up to 1 month. Once at the rutab stage, they last approximately 1-2 weeks unless frozen.
