In Bangladesh, Gulf varieties of dates, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are highly sought after for iftar during Ramadan, despite their premium prices. Originating from the Arabian Peninsula, dates are cultivated globally, with Egypt being the leading producer.
The date fruit offers a plethora of varieties, each with distinct flavors ranging from molasses to honey, and nuances of caramel, prunes, cinnamon, or burnt sugar. Among these, the Ajwa dates from Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and the Maryam variety are prized for their quality and flavor.
Other popular types include the Medjool, Mabroom, and Dabbas dates, with prices varying according to their sweetness and texture. The demand for dates in Bangladesh, particularly from Gulf countries, significantly spikes during Ramadan, accounting for 70% of the annual consumption of 80,000 tons. According to Noruddin Ahmed, secretary of the Bangladesh Fruits Importer Association, the majority of imports come from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, highlighting the strong preference for Gulf dates among Bangladeshis.
Source: arabnews.com
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