Cities and governorates in the Eastern Region have seen high sales activity in date markets following the start of Ramadan. Customers are seeking various types of dates and processed products.
According to SPA, the markets offer more than 15 types of dates. These include locally produced varieties from Al-Ahsa and Qatif, as well as dates from Qassim and Madinah.
Prominent types available include Khalas, Sukkari, Shishi, Ajwa, and Rizez. Ahmad Al-Mahdi, a date seller, stated that demand increases significantly around five days before Ramadan, with Khalas and Sukkari being the most popular. He noted that Al-Ahsa is known for Khalas, Shishi, Khunaizi, and Hilali dates, while Qassim is famous for Khalas, Sukkari, Rashoudiah, and Nabtat Ali. Madinah is renowned for Ajwa, Majdool, Mabroom, and Sukkari dates.
Processed date products available in the markets include date molasses, tahini, balls, cubes, stuffed dates, maamoul, biscuits, cakes, bread, seed coffee, ground seeds, and natural sweeteners.
Which date varieties are available in the Eastern Region markets? The markets offer more than 15 types of dates, including Khalas, Sukkari, Shishi, Ajwa, and Rizez. These varieties come from local sources in Al-Ahsa and Qatif, as well as from other regions such as Qassim and Madinah, with each type differing in appearance, size, taste, and price.
What are the regional specialties for dates mentioned by vendors? Ahmad Al-Mahdi noted that Al-Ahsa is known for Hilali, Khunaizi, Shishi, and Khalas dates. Qassim is famous for Nabtat Ali, Rashoudiah, Sukkari, and Khalas dates, while Madinah is renowned for Sukkari, Mabroom, Majdool, and Ajwa dates.
What processed date products can be found in these markets? Dates are processed into a wide range of products, including natural sweeteners, ground seeds, and seed coffee. Other available items include date molasses, tahini, maamoul, biscuits, cakes, bread, cubes, balls, and stuffed dates.