Ode to Dates
When I try to express to people just how much I love dates, here’s what I say: I might even love them more than chocolate. That’s certainly a strong statement coming from me. An apple a day keeps the doctor away (so they say), a square (or two) of dark chocolate keeps it balanced, and 5 dates a day… keeps me happy.
When I knew I was heading to London for Food Blogger Connect in early June, I did all of my characteristically sweet research, compiling lists of addresses to find the city’s best and most interesting chocolate, cupcakes, ice cream and artisanal sweets. Above all of those was one word, in bold, underlined, with stars around it and arrows pointing to it. This was one address I was not going to miss while in the UK (thanks to Romy‘s sweet London roundup). And so, in addition to the chocolate shopping I did, I made sure to go to Bateel. Bateel ? Picture a bright, clean minimalistic shop, narrow and long, its impeccable cases filled with items neatly lined up. A chocolate shop ? Nope. What if I told you it was a date shop ? ”The world’s only gourmet date experience.” You can see Alfred Hunter below right, preparing a box of these delicate fruits for me with utmost care, contributing to this unique and truly delicious experience.
I can’t say for sure when I tasted my very first date; I suppose I didn’t have that one powerful moment of enlightenment. As far I can remember, I have loved dates… There were my weekly visits to the markets when living in Paris, to Whole Foods when in Boston and to Kalustyan’s when in New York City, always searching for the big red box (Medjool dates from California) or other varieties from Israel, Jordan and Tunisia. My oldest memory of dates is perhaps in Montpellier (France), where I can picture myself sitting in a salon de thé with Françoise Pouget, olive oil expert, hearing about her latest culinary adventures — my teapot remained full, but the bowl of dates served with it quickly emptied. I remember calling Kadouri & Sons in New York City’s Lower East Side when I was at Duke University, letting them know I couldn’t find dates as good as theirs. Thus began the shipments of dates from Hester Street south to North Carolina. There was also the 5 kilogram box of small, dark Zagora dates I schlepped for a month when backpacking around Morocco (part of it went into granola I made for Dorie Greenspan). And of course my French mother-in-law’s colorfully stuffed dates every year at Christmas time. And now, this education on Saudi dates will too remain imbedded in my mind.
Tasting notes, one by one…
My favorite: the Barhi. Perhaps it is no coincidence that it is the sweetest and stickiest of the bunch. Truly a super sweet date, small, round and squishy if you try to pull apart the flesh to remove the pit. I first discovered this date at New York City’s Fairway Market many years ago; New Yorkers will have to let me know if they still carry them. You can just pop these in your mouth like candy.
My next two favorites from my Bateel selection were the Khola and Sokari. Khola dates are a golden brown, also very soft and sweet, their skin a bit loose over the flesh, which has a definite toffee flavor to it, almost syrupy. Delicate but not sticky like the Barhi, they are often paired with coffee (I’m not a coffee drinker, so I’ll just try them with coffee ice cream). The Sokari is firm and chewy, with a slightly caramel flavor similar to honeycomb. This is actually Alfred’s favorite date (and apparently quite popular among Arabs), which he recommends soaking in milk to soften. I didn’t find them too hard at all, and liked the difference in texture – a bit harder with its recognizably creased skin. Sokari dates are also known as Royal Dates.
Alfred also introduced me to the Sekki date, which has an amazing mix of textures and flavors and a very unique appearance. On one end, it is beige, hard, almost crunchy and quite sweet; the other side is dark, soft and midly sweet. Next to the Sekki below right is the Khidri, known for its complex flavor and an almost smoky aftertaste. I liked this date for its texture, soft and chewy. Alfred recommended the Agwa date, known to Muslims as the Holy Date. With almost black skin and a distinct flavor (not nearly as sweet as the others), it reminded me of a cross between a raisin and a prune.
There is certainly a date for every palate, and Bateel has over 20 varieties, coming from their 75,000 palm trees on plantations in Saudi Arabia. They also have dates stuffed with lemon peel, orange peel, pecans or almonds. And then there are the chocolate dipped dates, which of course got my attention. A typical snack of mine is to replace the pit of a Medjool date with a small square of dark chocolate and top it with sea salt (fleur de sel or Maldon). Bateel’s confections were more complex, and I of course tried a few, including the date stuffed with a roasted almond, coated in chocolate and rolled in crispy feuilletine flakes (below, middle right). Their date chocolates menu is worth a look, as I have never seen anything quite like it. That said, with dates of such a high quality and so delicious on their own, I would rather stick to the pure, fresh dates themselves. And I still wonder why I only brought back one (even if rather large) box to Zürich.
But wait, there’s more ! Date tapenade, bars, cookies, jams and mustard too. A warning on the latter: date mustard is either considered a liquid or a weapon, and will be confiscated from your carry-on luggage, as Jamie of Life’s a Feast can unfortunately confirm. Then there were date bonbons (hard candies) and other confections (like calissons from Aix-en-Provence) and nougat, a favorite of mine. Made with lavender honey from Provence, almonds, pistachios and of course dates, the nougat was excellent, soft and chewy, if a tad sticky.
One last word, if you have a chance to visit the Bateel shop in London or one of its many locations in the Middle East (they clearly need more in Europe), be sure to ask about their Rhutab dates. These are picked when semi-ripe and frozen right away. A whole other taste sensation, and truly divine. Next time I’m in London, you’ll know where to find me… trying all the other date varieties at Bateel, putting together the next series of tasting notes for you !
Have you ever had fresh dates before ? From where ? What is your favorite kind ?
Bateel
76 New Bond Street **
London, UK
+44.20.7629.0903
www.bateel.ae
** The shop was originally at 138 New Bond Street when I wrote about it above. It moved to the current location in the spring of 2011 and is now a boutique and café. Bateel products can also be found at Harrods in Knightsbridge.
July 4th, 2010 at 12:28
Ha Ha ha! Or maybe I should say Boo Hoo Hoo I never got to taste that date mustard! But Kerrin, you may just have turned me onto dates. Who knew there were so many kinds? And that chocolate we tried was heaven! Guess I’ll have to date hunt a bit here in Nantes!
July 4th, 2010 at 12:33
I have to say I always thought I hated dates, my only encounters with them being the hard dried type found in museli. A couple of months ago I tried my first fresh date, it was like nothing I had ever tasted before, I ate them just like sweets.
July 4th, 2010 at 12:39
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Hilda Saffari, Gogotrip, Travel News and others. Travel News said: Ode to Dates http://bit.ly/9y4vd8 [...]
July 4th, 2010 at 13:11
I’m OBSESSED with medjool dates; but I love all the varieties you tried!
July 4th, 2010 at 13:17
You know that trip I was talking about… I think A said to me the guy has something like 140 varieties in his shop. Wait, is that the sound of Kerrin’s head spinning and steam coming out of her ears I hear coming from Zurich? Breathe, breathe. =)
July 4th, 2010 at 13:35
Jamie, I know, so sorry about your date mustard. Any somewhat exotic looking food product, I always put in my luggage to check. You never know. But sounded like JP was even happier with his ties, ha ha ! Love that I turned you on to dates. Now I can’t wait to hear about your date discoveries in Nantes…
Lauren, oh no, those little dried flavorless pieces of dates in muesli — a whole different species. So glad you have now discovered the good stuff, ha ha ! And yes, just like eating sweets, right ? Enjoy !
VeggieGirl, glad to hear you TOO are obsessed with Medjool dates !
Hilda, YES my head is spinning and my eyes are popping out of their sockets. Was that a typo above, how many date varieties — 14 ? 40 ? …. not one hundred and forty !! That is insane. Imagine the blog post I would do on that shop, ha ha ! Can I come ??
July 4th, 2010 at 14:30
I absolutely love dates too. I wouldn’t go as far as saying that I love them more than chocolate in general, but definitely more than *some* chocolate
My grandma bought them for me all the time when I was younger. I grew up in sardinia, and the variety that was most common in market there at the time was the Sekki. Aaah, my mouth waters at the thought!
I have had the Khola and Khidri before, the latter probably my least favorite. The Khola is probably my fave. I love the soft texture and the taste that reminds me just a little of maple syrup. Yum!
Great, now all I can think of is going out and finding somewhere to get dates!
July 4th, 2010 at 14:42
You love dates so much? That makes two of us.
I eat dates practically everyday too. We get a wide variety of dates here in India (coming from the Arab nations I think) and recently my fruit vendor got me fresh dates. They were reddish pink, very pretty to look at and quite intriguing to eat. But I prefer dried dates anyday. I remember my dad getting me a box of Bateel dates stuffed with nuts. We need to give more spotlight to this humble fruit. They are not as popular as california prunes the world over after all. I made date cookies, cake and now I’m thinking what else?
July 4th, 2010 at 15:09
Fascinating and gorgeous too — as always, I love your pictures.
July 4th, 2010 at 16:01
Thank you for introducing this place and the info. Your photos makes it even more tempting.
July 4th, 2010 at 16:30
Elisa, ok maybe you’re right – it was a bold move to say I like dates more than chocolate, haha ! So cool that you grew up with all the varieties here. I love the Sekki too, and the Sokari is so sweet – you are right, just like maple syrup. I wouldn’t get the Khidri again – we definitely have similar tastes. You’ll have to tell me where you find any in Zürich. For me, I get Medjool dates at the outdoor markets. And I splurged once on Israeli dates at Globus. Thanks for sharing Elisa.
anushruti, you too ?! Fabulous. I could not agree more, this humble fruit doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves. Did you say date cookies ? Mmm, I love baking with dates. I shared my banana date cake here on the blog (http://mykugelhopf.ch/2009/03/banana-date-cake/) and have made cookies before too. What type of date did you use ? And oooh, can we see your recipe ?
dorie, thank you so much ! Wish I had some of that date granola right about now…
Ken, you’re very welcome !
July 4th, 2010 at 17:24
I never realized there were so many types of dates. Thanks for sharing with me. I love them wrapped with bacon, but I bet I would love them covered with chocolate.
July 4th, 2010 at 17:32
Kerrin, your posts are such delight. Well, when I read the title I thought -oh , me too. Poor me , i was so ignorant to dates. This is me thinking that the medjool love which I hold made me a conoisseur ( this spelling does not look right!). I had never heard of all those varieties and feel terribly humbled by all the things you wrote about. Shame on me for not knowing about the shop on New Bond Street. I am definitely going to pay it a visit. I had fresh dates only once but did not quite like it. it is an acquired taste. I used to work with this guy who always carried them around. And he did try to make me join his fresh date club. However, his efforts were lost on me.
July 4th, 2010 at 17:44
Kerrin, what a great post! Love it, I want to go there. Love your creative styling as well.
July 4th, 2010 at 18:02
Oh, thanks! I have cousins who are date farmers in CA, and my mother just delivered 40#s of medjools!!! Your beautiful pics give me some ideas as to what I might make…
July 4th, 2010 at 18:17
Wonderful article! I’m a big fan of dates also, especially when the skin is softer and the inside is chewier, and a bit less dark. I think I probably prefer Sokari dates. Thanks for posting this.
Also- you have one of the cutest site banners!
July 4th, 2010 at 19:27
kelleyn, oh yes, dates wrapped in bacon are so so good, how could I have forgotten to mention those ?! I also love prunes that way. You’ll have to try dates with chocolate and let me know; I have a feeling you’ll like them too !
valentina, thank you for your (always) wonderful comments. And you may still be a connoisseur compared to other people who have never heard of Medjool dates, my favorite of all. Too funny about you not wanting to be a member of the “Fresh Date Club” haha. You must go to Bateel and tell Alf I say hello !
Let me know what you get and what you think… Can’t wait to hear back.
Katharine, thank you so much. I appreciate the styling kudos coming from you. There must be some funky date boutiques in Madrid, no ?
Sonia, your cousins are date farmers in California ? Oh how jealous am I ?! Wow. If I were you, I’d be visiting family all the time, ha ha ! And 40 pounds of Medjools ?? I must be dreaming ! If you don’t know what to do with the surplus… I can help
I can’t wait to hear what you will do with all of those, please do report back.
MIKO, thank you to a fellow date fan ! Soft skin, chewy flesh and lighter… you are right, Sokari dates sound good for you, Khola dates too perhaps. Hope you can find them near you. So glad you like my site, thank you again !
July 4th, 2010 at 20:01
Can you tell me where to find Black Sphinx dates, and is this a variety you enjoy?
July 4th, 2010 at 20:03
I forgot to ask: Kindly send me any information you have about Black Sphinx dates! Many thanks!
July 4th, 2010 at 20:35
Flash, I have never heard of Black Sphinx dates, but now I am certainly curious to try them. Looks like you can order them online (see links below).
Here is a little blurb for others who may not have heard of them either:
“The Black Sphinx is a distinctive variety of date discovered as a rogue seedling in Phoenix, Arizona in 1928. It is most likely the result of a genetically unique seed that fell from an established Havani date tree. Once discovered, it became very popular and a grove was established in what is now the Arcadia neighborhood in Phoenix. Unlike the more ubiquitous Medjool date, the Black Sphinx is plump and tender with a very thin, dark mahogany colored skin. The meat is non fibrous and melts in the mouth leaving behind notes of brown sugar, vanilla, flowers and honey.”
A few links:
http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/programs/ark_product_detail/black_sphinx_date/
http://www.fruitarianvibes.com/Black_Sphinx_Dates.html
http://www.arizonarealestatenotebook.com/2007/12/08/save-the-date-black-sphinx-dates/
http://www.thehealthycookingcoach.com/2008/11/the-best-dates.html
July 4th, 2010 at 20:38
This post has *got* to be submitted for the Best Single Post for the bloggies. Really wonderful. I want to go out and make my own “chocolate stuffed date w/fleur de sel” because, even thought I just ate half a full-sized onion tart…
July 5th, 2010 at 02:06
wow, I never really appreciated dates before, so easily available here. This post has got me thinking.
July 5th, 2010 at 02:46
Yum! I love this post and remember trekking around manhattan with you looking for dates… Remember that day when we walked all over the city! It was insane! was I living there then or was that during college? Either…
those dates all look so sweet and sticky. I think the bahri ones looks delicious and the color of some of them are gorgeous, ESP. The kohla.
Ok now as usual, after i read your blog… Off to the kitchen to find something to eat!
Xoxox
July 5th, 2010 at 04:45
Oh jealous. Next time I’m in London, I’m all over this place. [shortly after Neil's Yard Dairy, 1st stop. I'm more of a savory guy]
July 5th, 2010 at 10:08
Shawna, wow thank you so much for your comment, I really appreciate it ! And I’m thrilled you enjoyed this post. So tell me, did you have a chocolate stuffed date with fleur de sel ? I mean, after all, you only had *half* of that onion tart.
And yum to that !
Sarah, I dream of going to Israel, and know I will one day. And that’s even without considering how easily available dates are there
Of course I’m curious to hear those thoughts of yours now…
Sam, oh totally ! I think it was during college, we hopped on the train and headed to Manhattan and walked for an entire day around the city. And yes, we absolutely went home on the LIRR with heavy bags (dates included !). haha !
Hope you found something super sweet in that kitchen of yours.
Kevin, definitely a must for the London list ! And for me, I just added Neil’s Yard Dairy to mine. You’re more of a savory guy, huh ? Well take some of these dates here and wrap them in bacon, or stuff them with cheese… the possibilities are unlimited !
July 5th, 2010 at 20:15
Wow, this is so interesting. I’ve never had the opportunity to give dates much of a thought since I have some limited access to them, although my Lebanese shop does a nice selection. Thanks for the tip for the place in London. I can’t wait. That sounds truly truly interesting! Thanks for the education!
July 5th, 2010 at 20:44
kelleyn: why stop at just bacon or just chocolate? I bet a triple threat of b., c. and d. would be sha-tasty!
Or perhaps some of Kerrin’s other interests could be combined? I’m thinking date, chestnut, mushy pea macarons? Maybe that’s too far out there… I’ve spent all day doing field work in near-90s heat and it may be altering my perception of socially acceptable flavor combos.
Lovely post as usual, I’d definitely been anticipating this one due to the heads up awhile back! Oh… and I wish someone would invite me into their fresh date club!
July 6th, 2010 at 09:52
Here is my recipe for date and walnut cookies http://www.divinetaste.com/archives/date-and-walnut-cookies/ and I’m very soon going to experiment with “date only” cookies.
After this piece of yours, I cant help but think of you when I dig into my daily dose of dates.
Also, have you heard about date syrup? I have successfully used it as a substitute for golden syrup in baking. I used it in this cake here too http://www.divinetaste.com/archives/date-and-cashew-olive-oil-cake/ The date flavour in this cake is quite phenomenal and is quite special to me. It is simply amazing and my baby gets a spoon or two of the syrup mixed into his porridge since he doesnt still have teeth to chew dates. 
July 6th, 2010 at 10:08
I never thought there could be a shop dedicated to dates
I love them too, and always add a few of them to my oatmeal/morning cereal/granola for breakfast. They make a wonderful snack too, especially after a work out.
I loved London, but I didn’k know about such wondeful (for a foodie) places. Thanks for sharing and all the information about dates
July 6th, 2010 at 11:24
Tami, you’re very welcome ! I bet you can find some real gems in that Lebanese shop near you. You’ll have to let us know if you find any good date varieties. Enjoy !
Emma, you kill me. Sha-tasty they must be – bacon, dates AND chocolate. Would you wrap the dates in bacon and then dip them in chocolate ? Or fill the dates with chocolate and wrap them in bacon ? OR… dip the whole dates in chocolate and then wrap them in bacon ?! Oh gosh, the salty sweet possibilities, ha ha ! Speaking of which, here’s a chocolate bar just for you: http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/category/bacon_candy_bars
As far as other socially acceptable flavor combinations – dates and chestnuts make a fantastic pair, just leave out the mushy peas (ew). You better stay out the sun !
anushruti, your date walnut cookies look amazing, thank you so much for sharing the links above – I have to check out the date and cashew olive oil cake too, that sounds fantastic. I have a jar of Silan date syrup here in fact, love drizzling it on oatmeal too ! I’ll have to try using it more often in baking and where I would otherwise use maple syrup, or as you said, golden syrup too. Your son is going to have a fine-tuned palate for sure !
I can’t wait to hear about your next round of date cookies…
Ksenia, I was just as surprised as you when I discovered that shop ! What type of date do you like ? They do make the best snack – and even before a workout too, as they are packed with energy. Perfect to add to breakfast as you do. Thanks for sharing !
July 6th, 2010 at 12:17
When I was in Dubai, I samples a number of boxes of dates, and bought a few boxes to take home with me. They were amazing and I had to ration myself so I wouldn’t eat them all at once. I didn’t realize there was such a diversity of dates and different kinds. I’m going to have to get somewhere to start date sampling!
Amazing pictures, makes me immediately want some!
July 6th, 2010 at 13:13
You are the Queen of sweet information!!!
As I read through your article I was just shaking my head. Who knew? Who knew? What a selection of dates.
I fear most of my dating tasting is of the dried variety – sorry! Occasionally I will stumble across fresh dates, and purchase them eagerly. I do like dates, but I am afraid, not more than chocolate. That’s certainly a very strong statement.
Every Wednesday we have a farmer’s market outside my workplace. There is a stall there that sells fruit and nuts. I have purchased dates from there before. They were pretty good. Tomorrow I will go back and get a few more – and see what type they are!
Speaking of checking details, I can confirm those salted caramel chocolate balls ARE the same ones you wrote about previously. They are the ones from Artisan du chocolat. How crazy is that? In Brisbane?!!!!
Anyway, back to dates, thanks for educating me just that little bit more on this fabulous treat. In fact, I may a date surprise for you this month on my blog.
July 6th, 2010 at 13:45
I just never knew how obsessed you were with dates!! Dates and chocolate! I really don’t think I have had many dates but after this post I am definitely going to explore tasting them.
Your photography is fabulous…like scratch and smell books! How sweet they look…not only do you write so that I can almost believe I am there, but your photos make it pop right out of the computer. I need to get a date…and where should I go??
July 6th, 2010 at 13:50
Migration Mark, thanks ! How lucky that you have been to Dubai, I can just imagine the selection and availability of dates there, must be amazing. I only brought back one box from London and I was so bad at making it last ! It was gone in like 2 days !! Hope you can find a variety of dates where you are now.
Julia, “the Queen of Sweet Information” – I am loving my new title, ha ha ! Thank you ! And yes, I have seen some resistance to that comment of mine – chocolate vs. dates. It’s a toss up. I don’t think I could live without either. The outdoor markets here in Zürich are where I get my dates as well; I’m curious to hear what kinds you have there in Brisbane. But meanwhile, London chocolate in Brisbane, who knew about *that* ?! Very cool. Oh, and a date surprise on Mélanger Baking ?? I can not wait !
Lani, you are so funny – you need to get a date, where to go ? How about a bar in NYC, lol ! But if you’re talking about dates like above… I would say the best place is Kalustyan’s, as they have a nice variety. You can get Medjool dates at Whole Foods and I am sure plenty of high-end food shops, like Citarella for example. Oooh, best of all perhaps is Sahadi’s on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, unbeatable value. http://sahadis.com/
July 6th, 2010 at 13:52
My goodness, I had no idea I was so ignorant about dates before I read this. The ones I eat are mostly from Waitrose! My favourites are “Eat Me” but only for the packaging, I couldn’t pass comment on the contents… it doesn’t surprise me that the vicinity of food blogger connect venue was awash with date tasting opportunities. Not convinced they beat chocolate though!!
July 6th, 2010 at 17:22
Well okay now… have you seen the Mini Mo’s Bacon Bar from Vosges? I just don’t get it, why would anyone buy a bar so small when they could go for the big guns?
In other chocolatey news, I decided to take the plunge and work my way through the Theo Coconut Curry. I like it for two reasons: the curry-stained inner wrapper is kind of pretty, and the length of time needed to eat it is kind of long.
July 6th, 2010 at 19:46
I love this feature of yours on dates. Dates have actually become one of my favorites. And it is very healthy. Here is a link about “Benefits of Dates”:
http://alliwannadoisbake.blogspot.com/2010/07/benefits-of-dates.html
I wish all the best….
July 6th, 2010 at 22:12
Wow that is amazing. I’ve only seen three types of dates here. The dried ones in the supermarket, Red ones in Asian stores and the fresh Californian ones also sold in the supermarket.
I love dates.
July 6th, 2010 at 23:39
Sarah, you’re not convinced either, huh ? Chocolate vs. dates, seems like a silly competition ! I bet Waitrose products are good, no? I just found an article on your “Eat Me” dates that was in their magazine in January 1999, check it out: http://www.waitrose.com/food/celebritiesandarticles/ingredients/9901042.aspx
That would be my dream press trip, to visit date plantations !
Emma, I don’t get it either. I actually just saw Vosges’ mini bars for the first time at Whole Foods last week. I thought it was like a free promotion or something. Seemed so silly to me too. You finish it in one breath. The Theo Coconut Curry bar is only 2oz though, not that much bigger. I am sure you don’t need too much time to devour that either. (https://www.theochocolate.com/store/products/chocolate-bars/fantasy-flavors/coconut-curry). Oh and you like it for 2 reasons, but I don’t like it for 2: coconut and curry
Perry, thanks so much ! As much as dates taste like candy sometimes, you are right, they are a very healthy fruit. Thank you for sharing that link, I just learned a whole lot more about dates than I ever knew ! Wow.
Barbara, you too !
Meanwhile, three types of dates is already a lot ! Which do you prefer ? Thanks for sharing.
July 7th, 2010 at 02:01
from one date connoisseur to another: love this post, kerrin! date bars, in particular, make me weak at the knees. the stickier, the better. xo.
July 7th, 2010 at 07:24
Thanks for your wonderful article! We have a good date supplier at my local farmers market–I keep fantasizing stuffing a Medjul with a soft, salty cheese.
When we went to the date-growing regions in California we got Date Shakes at roadside stands. Date sugar is pretty great too.
July 7th, 2010 at 07:25
What a comprehensive ode to dates indeed! Absolutely love it… so much information I’ve learnt. I’ve only had sokari and mejdool dates so between the two i have to choose sokari… but i’m on a mission to try them all now thanks to you
July 7th, 2010 at 09:24
my spatula, the stickier the better you say ? Then Barhi dates are so for you, have you tried them ? I’m more of a pure date eater, don’t do the bars. But perhaps that’s because I have yet to find a good one. Sounds like you could have a suggestion for me. But I bet best of all are ones *you* make yourself. Do tell.
Mimi, I would love to visit the date-growing regions in California one day, what a dream ! I have made my own date shakes before, so good ! Never had date sugar though. So many products to try… And yes, you should definitely try stuffing dates with cheese, it’s a perfect match. Let me know if you like it.
bethany, you must try them all ! You being in London and Dubai and Lebanon and all over the place, opportunities left and right !
Of course I thought of you when I posted this, so glad you like it.
July 7th, 2010 at 14:26
And now I want to eat dates! not as crazy about it you obviously are (hehe) but I do love a good date. perhaps being fed it by a hot man ON a good date. Yeah, that would work!
July 8th, 2010 at 12:40
mmmm… c’est noté pour mon prochain voyage à Londres!
July 10th, 2010 at 10:10
Kerrin, This is such a mouth-watering post…I read it when I first got up, and immediately went to my store-cupboard and scarfed down some medjool dates! I am going to give the dark chocolate stuffed dates with salt on top a try. They sound superb. I’ll bet they are superb with after-dinner coffee
July 10th, 2010 at 22:03
catty, haha – yes, difficult to be as crazy as I am about dates (or just as crazy, period !). And difficult to beat eating dates on a good date with a hot date !
iain, ah oui, obligatoire !
Rachel, oh absolutely, dates with dark chocolate and that touch of fleur de sel are the perfect thing after dinner with coffee. And in the morning with coffee, or in the afternoon with coffee…
Let me know if you try, would love to hear if you like it.
July 12th, 2010 at 17:51
Oh my! I didn’t know we had a sate shop here! And, how could a single gal like me say no to a date?! I love them! Especially when they’re filled with marzipan! Oh yum! I’m very impressed by the original combos here, with orange peel? Sounds delish! I gotta go check it out!
Hope you’re great my dear! xx
PS: Hey, do I recognize that towel or what?!
July 12th, 2010 at 17:52
sate?! DATE shop! My head’s in a million places!
July 13th, 2010 at 14:59
The best date I ever had – resulted in my marrying your mother
I can remember how many times i told you i hated dates, and your response was always – just taste this. And voila, not that bad actually. Who’d a thunk! As always, spectacular photography, that isn’t just beautiful, but really tells your story. Great job honey. And how much did i love reading all these comments? Alot.
July 13th, 2010 at 15:57
Dang! you made dates sound so…exotic! (which they are anyway)
July 13th, 2010 at 16:27
Anne, sate shop, date shop, I knew what you meant
And yes, if you love dates too, then you must go to Bateel and let me know what you think. Dates stuffed with marzipan are so good as you said. Yum. And you bet you recognize that dish towel, from your home to mine. Thank you Food Blogger Connect prop swap !!
KugelDad, ha. ha. And yes, now everyone knows it, you continue to *try* to hate dates (because it’s fruit ?!), and I am simply getting in your way. You’ll see, one day… you’ll love dates too !
Oh, and I love reading all the comments here even more.
jen, dang indeed, ha ha ! You with us date fans or not ??
July 14th, 2010 at 01:54
hey Sorriso!
OMG you just said everything that I feel about eating dates! It s amazing the flavor.
I’ve been eating dates since a moved to hawaii I never seen them before…hahaha I totally change my lifesytle here, so i;m eating more health. Miss u beijooo
July 19th, 2010 at 09:52
I love Bateel. It’s one of the first places I like to visit when I am in Dubai. Dates are a passion for me too and lucky for me it is a passion I share alone in my house so all the boxes I buy are truly for me and myself! Kerrin this was a grand post – thanks for taking us through the several different varieties! Would it surprise you that my fave is also the bahri? Second however comes the madjool!
July 22nd, 2010 at 03:19
I’m a date fan!!
August 10th, 2010 at 15:05
Oh Kerrin this looks like an amazing foodie experience. I buy dates by the kilo and it take me no time at all to eat though them. I love sitting by myself with a good book and savouring a delicious date (the way some might savour a glass of wine).
I had no idea there were so many different varieties! I feel like there is now a void in my date eating experiences
August 13th, 2010 at 16:08
Dourada, obrigada ! I never would have guessed you love dates so much too ! I wonder what kinds they have in Hawaii. Hmm, more sweet research for me to do !
Miss you too, beijos to you and Japa !
Meeta, oh you are so lucky, to have been to Bateel in Dubai ! And guess what, all the dates in this house here are eaten by just me too !
But you and I would fight for those Barhi then…
jen, you too ?? Love it !
Samantha Angela, I am so with you. I absolutely love books – and oftentimes curl up on the couch with a book or magazine, and a plate of dates and chocolate. Mmm !! Much more fun than wine, ha ha ! Hope you can find some of these varieties here to try. Let me know if you do. What’s your favorite kind so far ?
August 21st, 2010 at 17:17
Hi
We are date farmers and sell our dates in all of San Diego farmers market. We sell fresh Medjool date and are they awesome. Check us out if you are local or e-mail us at santeecertifiedfarmersmarket [at] gmail [dot] com we ship. Chocolate dates are out of this world. Andrea
August 27th, 2010 at 16:58
have you ever tried date molasses? in war-ridden iraq this was the only available dessert or sweet thing – a spoonful of tahini with date molasses… very addictive. it has that swwet-salty combination that i love so much.
September 1st, 2010 at 23:54
johanna, I actually have a jar of silan date syrup here, but have yet to try it. I would love to experiment and even bake with it perhaps. Have you ever ? Coincidentally I was just having a discussion with a Lebanese friend today about eating dates with tahini. I mentioned your comment and learned that tahini with date molasses is a very common sweet treat in Lebanon. My friend also said, “we usually eat tahini with grape or carob molasses. Date syrup or molasses is a lot thinner. Should work, though I like the syrup on its own or drizzled over saffron-infused fritters. yummy.” It all sounds excellent to me ! Thanks so much for sharing and starting the sweet discussion !
March 7th, 2011 at 18:09
Unfortunately the shop on new bond street is shut. There isnt one at south molten at the moment. Will write to them to find out where they’ve relocated to. Thought I would let you know.
March 17th, 2011 at 01:13
Valentina, sadly, it seems as if this London location has in fact closed.
Thank you so much for the heads up. I’ll have to contact Alfred and see if they will be reopening elsewhere in the city. Hope so ! Better yet, maybe they’ll open in Zürich 
March 18th, 2011 at 09:08
Bateel update ! And good news for all of you in London – while the shop at 138 New Bond Street is in fact closed, it will be reopening at 76 New Bond Street around the middle of May 2011. Until then, Bateel products can be found at Harrods in Knightsbridge.
Valentina, this means you have to now go and have some dates for me, please. =)
June 18th, 2011 at 16:50
I remember that you love dates from other things you’ve written, Kerrin, but hadn’t seen this post. I’m noting it in my travel folder for my next trip to London; thanks for the notes!
October 20th, 2011 at 21:10
Kerrin and Other Date Lovers,
Have you ever had “Immature” dates? Some people think they are “fresh” dates that have not yet been dried–but I was told by a date farmer in Southern California that they are really “immature” dates. A client of mine from Iran told me about them.
They are usually sold “on-the-stem” in clusters of about 20 dates. They start out a pale yellow color and as they “ripen” they become light brown, eventually getting darker brown–if for some reason they were not all eaten before that color change. I don’t let them get that far along! They have the most wonderful texture–kind of squidgy–soft but firm–almost gelatinous–and a much more delicate taste than a dried date–and less sweet. They are only in stores for a short time and they are very perishable. You would probably need to look in a specialty food store that has lots of exotic fruits. In the Berkeley, California area I find them at a wonderful produce market calley “Monterey Market.” I suspect the season for them is late spring or early summer.
November 29th, 2011 at 08:49
Ann the “immature” dates that you mentioned are known as “Balah”, which basically is the first stage of a date (Balah> Rhutab> Tamar). I tried the Balah once during Ramadan at one of Bateel’s boutiques in Dubai. Quite delicious, almost an apple like texture.
November 29th, 2011 at 16:38
Ramin, thank you so much for teaching me the name “Balah”–now I will know what to ask for when I am looking for them! Apple texture is a good comparison for them and as they ripen/soften, maybe ripe pear texture then, too. Thank you!
November 29th, 2011 at 18:00
nancyo, I suppose I have mentioned that I love dates a few other times than here.
Have you had a chance to visit the Bateel store in London since your comment above ?
Ann, have I ever had immature dates ? Hmm, I don’t think so. At the Oerlikon market here, I have seen yellow dates sold on the branch that ripen just as you described. But I figured they were just “fresh” as opposed to immature – and they were *not* good when eaten when still yellow, as I recall. The guy at the market told me to let them ripen in the freezer for an amazing taste sensation. Try that !! You are so lucky to live in California where Medjool dates must be everywhere ! Mmm, miss that big red box, haha !
Ramin, many thanks for clearing up the date conundrum. At first, I thought perhaps Ann was talking about Rhutab dates, but they have already turned dark. I’ll have to search for dates in the Balah stage now… only, doubt I’ll have any luck in Switzerland !
July 30th, 2012 at 08:00
Woww! I was googling “kholas” & one of the links is this post. My husband was in Dubai 2 nights ago & i asked him for agwa dates, this being our holy month of Ramadhan & all…he (claimed he) couldnt find them…
So I got a box of kholas and a box of sokari instead He came home this morning but I am still observing my fast so I can’t taste them yet hence the googling…Now your description of them is really tantalising me!
Silly goose me forgot about Bateel in Dubai!
Thanks for this post & I cant wait for sundown…