Bard Valley Natural Delights Medjool Dates co-op of Yuma, AZ and its 14 growers completed harvesting of dates in late September, a few weeks later than normal due to temperatures that were slightly cooler in Yuma.
The growers grow conventional and organic medjool, while others also grow deglet noors outside of the co-op. The co-op also imports other varieties.
The winter holidays and the months leading up to Ramadan are peak shipping periods for date.
Dates are known for health benefits, which include fiber, potassium, antioxidants and many other vitamins and minerals.
Although dates are sweet because of their high fiber content, they are low on the glycemic index, which allows the body to burn the sugar much more slowly.
- Deglet Noor dates are smaller and lighter in color, more amber than brown, and they are semi-dry in texture, making them soft but firm. Medjool dates are larger and have a soft, chewy texture and a sweet, caramel-like flavor.
- Deglet dates are less sweet than Medjool, and also have a slightly nutty taste to them similar to browned butter or cashews.
- Medjool dates are usually sold with the pit still within the fruit, whereas Deglet Noor dates are commonly sold pitted, with the seed being removed.