Zahidi (Pind Khajur) Dates Buying Guide 2025: Prices, Quality, APMC Vashi & Global Sourcing
Short answer: For everyday value and firm texture, choose Zahidi (aka Pind Khajur). In India’s August season, many buyers target A-grade lots at ~₹80–₹90/kg at wholesale. Globally, Zahidi is a cost-efficient semi-dry date for snacking, baking, salads and value SKUs. Use the checklists below to inspect quality, negotiate smarter, and store correctly.
- Good A-grade wholesale band (India, Aug): ~₹80–₹90/kg (verify locally).
- Top quality cues: golden-amber skin, firm/chewy bite, clean nutty aroma, minimal sugar bloom.
- Best time to inspect APMC lots: Late morning (~10–11 a.m.) for fresh arrivals and calmer negotiations.
- Storage: Cool, dry, airtight; refrigerate for longer holds; freeze for multi-month storage; thaw in chiller.
- Use cases: Everyday snacks, baking, salads, savory tagines/pilafs, trail mixes, value gift packs.
What Is Zahidi (Pind Khajur)? Taste, Texture & Everyday Value
Zahidi is a semi-dry date cultivar with a firm, structured chew and buttery, nutty notes—less sweet than Medjool, more versatile for daily cooking. The golden-amber skin looks clean and appetizing, and the fruit holds shape in salads, bakes, and savory dishes.
Originating around Iraq and now grown across West Asia/North Africa, Zahidi is popular among value-focused buyers because it travels well, stores longer, and works in both retail pouches and bulk foodservice. In India, August typically brings wide availability at hubs like the dates section referenced in our dates business starter guide.
Zahidi vs Medjool vs Deglet Noor
| Variety | Profile | Best For | Typical Price Positioning* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zahidi | Semi-dry, mildly sweet, nutty; firm chew | Daily snacking, baking, salads, savory | Value / mid-value |
| Medjool | Soft, plush, very sweet; caramel notes | Premium gifting, desserts, stuffing | Premium |
| Deglet Noor | Semi-dry, light, nutty; less sticky | Chopped inclusions, bars, industrial | Mid (grade-dependent) |
*Relative positioning; confirm current local quotes. For deeper variety guidance, see Best Quality Dates in India: Buyer Guide.
Pricing Snapshot 2025 (India & Global)
India (illustrative, August season): many APMC buyers target A-grade Zahidi around ₹80–₹90/kg in bulk. Neighborhood stores run higher for small quantities/packing. Branded online 1 kg packs may price above wholesale depending on grade and brand.
Simple math (India)
Buy 10 kg @ ₹90/kg → ~₹900 ex-market (before last-mile). Scale to 20–30 kg once you validate sell-through and quality.
Outside India (directional)
For international buyers, Zahidi often sits below Medjool on price and similar to Deglet Noor for semi-dry specs. Landed cost depends on grade, origin, format (whole/pitted/diced), incoterms and freight. Request tiered quotes (e.g., 200 kg / 500 kg / 1 MT) and check pack date.
Planning wholesale? Our starter playbook covers pricing math and FEFO: How to Start a Dates Business.
APMC Vashi: Step-by-Step Buying Playbook
1) Define demand
Pick quantity (10/20/30 kg), target grade (A-grade recommended), and packing (bulk cartons vs retail pouches).
2) Shortlist dealers
Ask who has fresh August lots of Zahidi. Check cartons for lot IDs and recent pack dates.
3) Inspect & taste
Color, skin integrity, uniform size; taste 3–5 fruits. Zahidi should be firm, clean-aroma, minimally sticky.
4) Compare quotes
Collect at least two quotes. Clarify if price includes liners and reinforced cartons for up-country routes.
5) Lock specs
Write size, defect tolerance, packaging, and delivery timing on the quote/bill.
6) Arrange transport
Same-day pickup nearby; use cool/reefer transport in hot weather for longer routes.
7) Inward QC
On arrival, sample a few packs: re-check texture, aroma, sugar bloom; document findings for future orders.
Pro tip: Start with a pilot 10 kg and a simple QC log. If quality and velocity meet target, scale your PO.
Browse more buying frameworks on our Buying Guide hub.
Online & Global Sourcing: How to Vet Sellers
- Photos & pack date: request carton/lot pics and the latest pack date.
- Confirm format: whole vs pitted; diced size; moisture range; vacuum/MAP options.
- Claims policy: transit damage, returns, and replacement timelines.
- Tiered pricing: ask for breaks at 200 kg / 500 kg / 1 MT; explore mixed-variety bundles.
- References & COA: two trade refs and recent COA where applicable.
See curated explainers: Sourcing Premium Dates and Top Wholesale Date Suppliers.
Quality, Grading & Packaging Cues
Visual & sensory
- Appearance: golden-amber, minimal skin cracks, even size.
- Texture: semi-dry and pliant; avoid rock-hard or mushy fruits.
- Aroma: clean, date-sweet, slightly nutty; avoid musty/sour notes.
Grading drivers
- Size uniformity (larger/even sizes fetch premiums).
- Defect tolerance (skin tears, infestation, sugar bloom—keep low and documented).
- Sorting hygiene (gloves, clean benches, optical sorting where used).
Packaging that preserves freshness
- Retail: strong O2/moisture-barrier pouches; vacuum/MAP optional.
- Bulk: food-grade liners inside sturdy corrugated cartons (10/20/30 kg).
- Labels: variety, grade, lot code, pack date, storage guidance.
Storage, Shelf Life & Cold-Chain Notes
Zahidi’s semi-dry profile supports a naturally longer shelf life. Keep stock cool, dry, and dark. Avoid heat spikes and strong odors (dates absorb aromas).
| Mode | When to use | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Ambient | Short holds, cool seasons | Airtight jars; away from sunlight; minimal handling |
| Refrigerated (0–4 °C) | Warmer climates, longer holds | Seal well to prevent odor transfer; log temps for bulk |
| Frozen | Multi-month storage | Freezer-safe packs; thaw in the chiller, then move to ambient |
Cold-store fundamentals: Dates Cold Storage Guide.
Nutrition & Health Basics
Fibre & digestion
Dietary fibre supports regularity and satiety. Chop into breakfast bowls or mix with nuts for balanced snacks.
Electrolytes
Potassium and magnesium support muscle/nerve function—useful around workouts.
Clean sweetening
Replace part of sugar in baking with chopped Zahidi or date paste to improve label perception.
Portions
For most adults, 2–4 dates suit a balanced day. Pair with protein/fat (e.g., nuts, yogurt) for steadier energy.
Educational only, not medical advice. If you manage blood sugar or kidney issues, personalize portions with your clinician.
Practical Uses, Recipes & Product Ideas
Home & foodservice
- Baking: muffins, banana bread, cookies (Zahidi keeps structure).
- Salads: rocket + feta + chopped Zahidi + citrus dressing.
- Savory: tagines, pilafs, stuffed peppers with nuts/herbs.
- Snacks: trail mixes, energy bites, yogurt bowls.
Retail & D2C
- Value pouches (500 g / 1 kg) with storage tips.
- Mix packs (Zahidi + Khudri) for price points.
- Seasonal gifting sleeves; QR to origin & storage.
- Content hub: Buying Guide.
Export Readiness: Docs & Certifications
- COA (moisture, microbial limits) and lot traceability.
- Food-safety certificates (HACCP/ISO 22000/FSSC 22000 where applicable).
- Phytosanitary + country-of-origin certificates; label compliance per destination.
- Packaging proofs (food-contact safe) and date codes (Mfg/Best-Before, lot ID).
Contract tip: Write temperature SLAs, defect thresholds and remedies for excursions/damages into your PO. Use data loggers on long export routes.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
What is a good wholesale price for Zahidi dates?
How do I check Zahidi quality fast?
Can I store Zahidi at room temperature?
How does Zahidi differ from Medjool?
Is Zahidi good for baking?
Need help shortlisting Zahidi lots?
Browse related resources on Dates Business:
- Buying Guide hub — storage, grading and sourcing basics.
- Top Wholesale Date Suppliers — shortlist vendors faster.
- Start a Dates Business — pricing math, FEFO and channel strategy.
- Contact us — ask a sourcing/storage question.
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