Which are the softest dates to eat?

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 200 varieties of dates are cultivated globally, offering a wide range of flavors and textures. For those who prefer a melt-in-your-mouth experience, a select few stand out due to their exceptionally high moisture content. This article explores which are the softest dates to eat and what makes them so tender.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the most tender date varieties, highlighting their unique textures, flavors, and ideal uses for a soft and delicious snack or recipe ingredient.

Key Points

Kimia Dates: Cited as one of the softest dates, they are wet, juicy, and melt in the mouth due to high moisture content.
Medjool Dates: Known as the 'King of Dates,' they are plump, soft, and juicy with a distinct caramel-like flavor.
Barhi Dates: These are prized for their exceptionally soft, creamy texture and honey-like sweetness when fully ripe.
Mazafati Dates: A plump Iranian variety with a chocolaty caramel flavor and a thick, fleshy, and soft texture.
Halawi Dates: These offer a delicate, buttery-soft texture and a sweet, honey-like flavor.
Sukkari Dates: With a golden color and buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, they are prized for their intense sweetness.
Selecting Soft Dates: Look for plumpness, a natural sheen, and a sticky, tender feel to the touch to ensure freshness and high moisture.

Dates are categorized into three main types based on their moisture content: soft, semi-dry, and dry. The soft varieties, with their higher moisture and fleshy pulp, are prized for their delicate, succulent texture. While most dates are sweet, the flavor profiles and nuances vary significantly among the softest types.

The Softest Varieties Spotlight

Kimia Dates

Also known as 'Bam Dates,' Kimia dates are consistently cited as one of the softest date varieties available.

Moisture Content: They have one of the highest moisture contents, making them wet, juicy, and extremely tender.
Texture: The texture is soft, melting effortlessly in your mouth.
Flavor: Rich and delicious, with a brown-black color.
Best For: Direct snacking or incorporating into desserts where a very soft texture is desired.

Medjool Dates

Known as the "King of Dates," Medjool dates are a popular and widely available soft variety.

Moisture Content: High moisture content gives them a plump and juicy quality.
Texture: Soft, chewy, and sticky, with a fibrous texture.
Flavor: Rich, with a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
Best For: Snacking, stuffing with cheese or nuts, and using as a natural sweetener in recipes and smoothies.

Barhi Dates

Barhi dates are celebrated for their distinctive creamy texture and are often eaten in their fresh, semi-ripe yellow stage (khalal).

Moisture Content: High, especially when ripe.
Texture: When fully ripe, they become exceptionally soft, syrupy, and creamy, tasting like brown sugar caramel.
Flavor: Honey-like sweetness, which intensifies as they ripen.
Best For: Eating fresh, especially at the yellow stage for a crispier texture, or fully ripe for a soft, creamy treat.

Mazafati Dates

Originating from Iran, Mazafati dates are often harvested while still fresh and moist, known as 'Rotab'.

Moisture Content: 15% to 35%, which contributes to their fleshy, pulpy texture.
Texture: Thick flesh with a soft, smooth, and almost creamy consistency.
Flavor: Chocolaty and caramel-like, with a deep brown color.
Best For: Snacking, desserts, and providing a quick energy boost.

Halawi Dates

Halawi dates are a delightful, soft variety with a distinct flavor.

Moisture Content: Soft and moist.
Texture: Delicate, tender, and buttery, with a melt-in-the-mouth feel.
Flavor: Sweet caramel-honey taste.
Best For: Snacking straight out of the bag.

Sukkari Dates

From Saudi Arabia, Sukkari dates are cherished for their golden color and consistent quality.

Moisture Content: High, making them juicy and tender.
Texture: Melt-in-your-mouth, buttery, and soft.
Flavor: Intense honey-like sweetness.
Best For: Desserts or as a luxurious, natural sweetener.

Dayri Dates

A less common but notably soft variety, Dayri dates originated in Iraq.

Moisture Content: Soft, heavy, and fleshy.
Texture: Soft and meaty.
Flavor: Sweet but not overly rich, making them versatile.
Best For: Both sweet and savory recipes, including stuffing with cheeses.

How to Select the Softest Dates

To ensure you are getting a high-quality, soft date, follow these tips:

Check the Packaging: Look for dates labeled as 'fresh' or 'soft' and ensure the packaging is airtight to retain moisture.
Inspect the Texture: The dates should feel plump and soft when gently squeezed, not hard or brittle. A soft, slightly sticky texture indicates freshness and high moisture content.
Look for Plumpness: Avoid dates that are too shriveled. Plump dates are a sign of proper moisture retention.
Observe the Skin: While some wrinkling is natural, the skin should have a natural sheen and be mostly intact. Excessive wrinkles or flaking could indicate it's a drier variety or older.
Taste and Smell: Fresh, quality dates should have a pleasant, sweet aroma without any sour or fermented smell.

Comparison Table: Soft vs. Semi-Dry vs. Dry Dates


Variety	Texture Type	Softness Level	Flavor Profile	Best Uses
Kimia	Soft	Very High	Rich, sweet	Snacking, desserts
Medjool	Soft	High	Rich, caramel-like	Snacking, baking, stuffing
Barhi	Soft	Very High (when ripe)	Creamy, honey-like	Fresh snacking
Mazafati	Soft	High	Chocolaty, caramel	Snacking, energy balls
Sukkari	Soft	High	Buttery, honey-like	Snacking, desserts
Deglet Noor	Semi-Dry	Medium	Nutty, mildly sweet	Baking, cooking
Zahidi	Semi-Dry	Medium	Nutty, less sweet	Cooking, salads
Thoory	Dry	Very Low	Nutty, dry	Baking (bread dates)

Conclusion

For a truly soft date experience, varieties like Kimia, Medjool, Barhi, and Mazafati are excellent choices, each offering a unique flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The softness of a date is primarily determined by its moisture content, with higher moisture leading to a more tender and juicy fruit. By understanding the characteristics of each variety and following proper selection tips, you can consistently choose the perfect soft dates for your snacking or culinary needs. Whether for a creamy fresh Barhi or a large, caramel-flavored Medjool, the world of soft dates has a delicious option for every preference. For additional tips on selecting quality fruit, this guide on Epicurious offers useful insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

While Medjool is widely known for its softness, some of the very softest dates include Kimia, Barhi (when ripe), and Mazafati. Kimia dates, also called Bam dates, are particularly noted for their high moisture content and melt-in-the-mouth texture.

To check for softness, gently squeeze the date. A good, soft date should feel plump and tender, not hard or excessively dry. Plumpness and a natural sheen are good visual indicators of a high moisture content.

Medjool dates are very soft, plump, and juicy, which is why they are often called the 'King of Dates'. However, some connoisseurs might find other varieties like Kimia or a fully ripe Barhi to be even softer due to their slightly higher moisture content.

The softness of a date is primarily determined by its moisture content and the stage of ripeness when it is harvested. Soft dates, like Medjool, contain more moisture, whereas semi-dry or dry varieties like Deglet Noor have a lower water content.

For a deliciously soft snack, Medjool, Kimia, Mazafati, and Halawi are excellent choices. Medjool offers a rich caramel flavor, while Kimia is extremely juicy. Barhi dates are also a great option if you can find them fresh.

While soft dates are delicious for snacking and in desserts, their high moisture can affect baking consistency. Semi-dry dates like Deglet Noor, with a firmer texture, are often preferred for baking and cooking, as they hold their shape better.

Soft dates should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator to preserve their high moisture content and prolong their freshness. This prevents them from drying out or spoiling prematurely.