Shahani Dates
Shahani dates are quite popular in Iran, and any date expert can’t imagine not knowing about them or not having them in their pantry. A Shahani date is especially sweet, chewy, and golden in appearance.
It’s also easy to find and is fairly cheap compared to other dates. Shahani dates are considered lucky in Iran and have a long history. Due to its sweet flavor and chewy texture, it is a popular snack for children and adults alike, and is believed to have healing properties.
The appearance of Shahani dates
The skin and flesh of fully ripe Shahani dates are separated, making them a lighter brown color than Mozafati or Klotte dates. A deep brown color may accompany a slight yellowish hue in some cases.
It is a great dessert or snack choice because of its sweet-tart flavor and high sugar content. Shahani dates are tart because they contain more malic acid than most other varieties.
Malic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in fruits and vegetables that gives dates their unique flavor. It can balance out the sweetness of dates and add a distinct taste to food.
Known for their juiciness and tenderness, as well as their flavor, wet dates, like the Shahani date, make perfect baking and cooking ingredients.
In its natural state, Shahani dates are typically about 4 cm in length and 2 cm in width, and belong to the category of wet dates.
Though they are very similar, these dates are easily distinguished by their brown color and narrow shape. Additionally, Shahani dates tend to be wrinkled and have a slightly bitter taste, while Rabbi dates tend to be smoother and sweeter.
The origin of Shahani dates
Shahani dates are cultivated in Fars and Hormozgan provinces of Iran, primarily Jahrom city. There are many fans of this date in other cities as well, so many buyers travel to this city at harvest time. Approximately 95% of the date palms planted in Jahorm are Shahani ones.
Historically, Shahani dates have been grown and harvested in this region, where farmers and producers have always improved their techniques and methods to keep the dates sweet and delicate. Due to its perfect climate and environment for date cultivation, this region is one of the world’s leading date suppliers.
It requires very little water and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it particularly suited to Jahorm’s climate. As part of their efforts to preserve the flavor and texture of dates, farmers and producers have developed specialized methods for harvesting dates. Jahorm is one of the world’s top date producers because of these factors.
As well as Shawni, Khorkshani is also known by many other names in Iran, including shoeni in Jahrom, Firozabad, and Bandar Abbas.
Shahani date varieties
Due to its size, this date is divided into grades 1 and 2. There isn’t much difference between the two types, although first-grade dates are taller and sometimes have better quality and appearance. Dates in the first grade contain more sugar because they’re larger.
Since they are sweeter and more desirable than second-grade dates, they cost more and are in high demand. Also, they have a higher moisture content, which makes them plump and juicy. Besides being more aesthetically appealing, they often have a glossy sheen and dark brown color.
Shahani date harvest time
In late summer and early fall, Shahani farmers collect, sort, and package dates to sell. The harvest is a time of celebration and joy for the farmers.
For the dates to be of the highest quality, they must be harvested at the right time. Early harvest can result in small and hard dates, while late harvest leads to overripe and sticky dates. Farmers get the best quality dates by harvesting them at the right time.
Farmers lose money if they harvest their dates too early or too late, since the quality of the dates affects how much they can sell them for.
This date is sometimes consumed as prickly pear. Hence, the fruit must be harvested a little earlier since it is sweet and doesn’t have a bitter taste. The sweetness of the fruit increases as it ripens, and the bitterness decreases as it ripens. Harvesting the fruit earlier will produce a sweeter taste.
There are times when farmers harvest their palms earlier and sell them due to the high demand for the prickly-pear form. In other words, farmers harvest their palms when they are completely ripped or prickly pear-like.
Initially ripe fruit has a longer shelf life, is easier to transport, and can be harvested easier at the prickly-pear stage, so buyers are willing to pay more.
Maintenance
Temperatures between -10 and +10 degrees Celsius are ideal for storing Shahani dates. Because of improper storage conditions, many dates are damaged every year.
In order to prevent corruption and damage, Shahani dates should be stored at a cool, dry location away from sunlight and insects. Low temperatures protect dates from mould growth and other microorganisms.
Dates should be stored in an airtight, dark container to prevent spoilage caused by light or insects. You must also use ventilation-ventilated containers to transport Shahani dates.
This date has a shelf life of approximately one year due to its low moisture content. The ventilation system inside the containers keeps the dates dry and preserves their quality. Keeping dates away from sunlight and insects is essential for their shelf life.
Packaging
Due to special conditions and inherent properties, Shahani dates are often packed in poor packaging to prevent spoilage.
In order to maintain their freshness, Shahani dates must be handled carefully and in specific environments. Dates exposed to too much oxygen and moisture can spoil prematurely due to poor packaging.
Furthermore, Royal Date Company exports these dates to the world markets in the most stylish packaging using the world’s latest and most modern packaging machines.
As a result of their use of modern packaging machines, the company can ensure that the dates are sealed well and protected from contamination and spoilage, increasing their shelf life. In addition, the company’s stylish packaging helps the dates stand out on store shelves, attracting consumers.
Properties of Shahani Date
In addition to vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, Shahani Dates contain plenty of fiber and folic acid, important for pregnancy. They also provide a great source of energy and are low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Besides regulating metabolism, Shahani Dates boost immunity and promote heart health. Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy, and folic acid aids in the baby’s development. Also, because of their low saturated fat and cholesterol content, they are a heart-healthy snack.
Listed below are some of this date’s most important properties:
- Those who are anemic should consume it because it is rich in iron and hematopoietic cells.
- Osteoporosis can be prevented with this calcium-rich food.
- Cholesterol levels are regulated by this food because it does not contain high levels of cholesterol.
- By reducing stress and regulating heart rate, it reduces blood pressure.
- By strengthening the nervous system, the body is able to function properly.
FAQ
Questions about SHAHANI dates
How can I choose the best Iranian date?
Iranian dates have different shapes and colors. There are dried, semi-dried and moist dates in Iran and are usually found in round or oval shapes and black, brown, and golden colors. You can read the specifications of each product on Royal Dates Website and compare the dates.
To what countries can you ship Iranian dates?
ROYAL Dates Company exports Iranian dates all over the world. Countries bordering the Persian Gulf and Asian countries are the main importers of Iranian dates.
What is the best kind of Iranian date for import?
All the products introduced by ROYAL Dates website are the most exported products but Mazafati dates and Piarom dates have the largest amount of export from Iran.