UAE: Date season is upon us; learn more about rutab, favorite choice of many – News

Half-ripe dates are soft and moist, melt in your mouth

Summer is here, and it’s time to fill the date discs, a symbol of generosity and Emirati heritage.

The arrival of ‘rutab’ or parboiled dates marks the start of date season and tantalizes the taste buds with their unique qualities. Ruta dates, often commanding high prices, are a respected commodity originating in Oman, known for their early production and quickly reaching the local market.

Before the locally grown jujube trees start bearing fruit, the arrival of jujubes is especially celebrated, eventually stabilizing prices at normal levels.

Dates go through three stages: bisr, rutab, and tamr, all three of which are edible.

Known for their unique texture and flavor, kohlrabi dates have become a favorite for discerning palates – tempted by their soft, caramel-like taste and limited availability.

Rutab dates are harvested at half-ripe, providing a pleasant experience for date lovers. Unlike fully ripe dates, kohlrabi dates have a soft and moist texture that melts effortlessly in the mouth.

Beyond texture, the flavor profile of dates has also earned them a loyal following. These dates provide a delicate sweetness that is both rich and syrupy, creating a taste experience that lingers.

Adding to its appeal, the dates are only available for a limited time. Their uniqueness and short availability make them popular and make them a highly sought-after delicacy.

Rutab dates are also considered to have higher nutritional content compared to fully ripe dates. The increased moisture content helps retain essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making it a potentially healthier choice.

In the jujube stage, dates are rich in water and provide a lot of natural sugars. During the tamr stage, the moisture content of dates decreases while the sugar content increases. This makes the early stages of dating more beneficial for people with diabetes.

Rutab dates are usually pressed and packaged for storage at this stage. Jujubes have a shelf life of about eight months if stored properly and can be extended to a year when frozen. On the other hand, tamr dates have a much longer shelf life and can be kept for a whole year without freezing.

In terms of calorie content, tamr has more than double the calories of kohlrabi dates. This is due to the lack of water, resulting in a higher concentration of sugar and calories.

For example, 100 grams of rutab dates contain about 145 calories, while the same weight of tamr dates contains about 280 calories.

Both tamr and rutab dates have many health benefits. They are thought to help prevent disease due to their rich antioxidant content.

In addition, jujube helps dilate the cervix, thereby facilitating childbirth. Dates help regulate blood sugar levels by providing antioxidants and fiber that prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar.

While preference for kohlrabi dates continues to grow, it’s worth noting that individual tastes may vary. Some date connoisseurs may still prefer bisir or fully ripe dates for their unique qualities.