Yaheedi (Zahidi) Dates from Iraq: Taste, Uses, Prices & Storage
Also spelled Zahidi/Zahedi, Yaheedi is Iraq’s classic semi-dry date—golden-brown, pleasantly firm, and naturally sweet with a mild nutty finish. It’s versatile for retail pouches, APMC wholesale, HORECA, and ingredient use (dice, paste, syrup).
What is Yaheedi (Zahidi)?
Yaheedi—more widely marketed as Zahidi/Zahedi—is a semi-dry Iraqi date with golden-tan skin, firm bite, and balanced sweetness. It’s a workhorse for bulk trade and ingredients because it holds shape, ships well, and keeps longer than very soft varieties.
Why traders love it
- Stable texture for re-packing (250 g/500 g/1 kg).
- Lower wastage vs. very soft dates.
- Good price-to-value for mass retail & HORECA.
Common names
Yaheedi Zahidi Zahedi Pind Khajur (India)
Taste, Texture & Grades
Flavour: mild caramel with a nutty/buttery note. Texture: firm to semi-chewy; low stickiness vs. soft/moist types. Colour: light amber to golden-brown.
| Grade label | Typical characteristics | Use-case |
|---|---|---|
| Premium / Large | Bigger piece size, cleaner skin, uniform colour | Retail pouches, corporate hampers (value tier) |
| Medium | Standard size & shape, minor cosmetic variation | Retail 500 g / 1 kg, online combos |
| Industrial / Economy | Smaller/broken pieces within tolerance | Dice, paste, bakery & bars |
Note: Grade language varies by supplier. Always match count/kg or piece size where available.
Culinary Uses & Value-Added
- Retail snacking: economical daily use; pairs with tea/coffee.
- Bakery & bars: dices bind well in doughs, granolas, and energy bars.
- Date paste/syrup: clean-label sweetener for confectionery and beverages.
- Stuffed dates: roasted peanuts/almonds or coconut for festive packs.
Indicative Wholesale Prices in India (2025)
| Spec | Pack formats | Indicative range (₹/kg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail grade | 10×500 g in 5 kg master; 1 kg pouches | ₹200–₹320 | Branded, cleaner look, higher selection |
| Medium trade | 10 kg loose | ₹180–₹260 | General re-packing, online sets |
| Industrial | 10–25 kg cartons | ₹160–₹220 | Dice/paste inputs; tolerance for broken |
Disclaimer: Non-binding planning bands for 2025. Actuals vary by crop year, origin, grade, currency, and logistics. Always get written quotes with specs.
Buying Checklist (Spec-Driven)
- Variety & origin: “Zahidi/Zahedi – Iraq” (or Iran for some lots).
- Grade & size: Premium/Medium/Industrial; agree on piece size or count/kg.
- Moisture & defects: set tolerances for skin lift, breakage, foreign matter.
- Pack & liners: 10 kg/25 kg with food-grade liner; retail masters if needed.
- Crop year & lot ID: avoid mixed crops unless documented.
- Compliance: FSSAI license (if retail), HSN, GST slab on invoice.
Pro move: Request 1–2 kg pilot samples and compare against your QC sheet before PO.
Storage, Transport & Shelf-Life
- Ambient targets: 15–20 °C, ≤60% RH; keep cartons on pallets (off floor).
- Transport: shaded loading, quick dispatch; insulated trucks in hot months.
- FEFO: First-expiring-first-out to minimize crystallization and dryness.
- Shelf life: ~9–12 months (semi-dry) in good conditions; seal opened packs.
Nutrition Snapshot (per 100 g, typical)
| Metric | Approx. value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ~280–320 kcal | Varies by crop and moisture |
| Carbohydrates | ~70–75 g | Mostly natural sugars + fibre |
| Fibre | ~6–8 g | Supports satiety and gut health |
| Potassium | ~600–700 mg | Electrolyte support |
Values are indicative and not for medicinal use. Check your supplier’s CoA for precise panels.
Copy-Paste RFQ Template
Subject: RFQ – Yaheedi (Zahidi) Dates — Grade, Pack & Delivery for <CITY>
Hello <Supplier Name>,
Please quote for Yaheedi/Zahidi dates as below:
• Origin & Variety: Zahidi (Iraq preferred)
• Grade & Size: <Premium/Medium/Industrial; piece size or count/kg>
• Crop Year: <YYYY>
• Moisture & Defects: supplier standard OR target values
• Packs: <10 kg / 25 kg> with liner; retail masters if available (10×500 g)
• Quantity: <e.g., first PO 2 MT; monthly 5 MT>
• Delivery: <City, State> within <X> days; include freight
• Compliance: FSSAI (if retail), HSN & GST on invoice; lot/batch & CoA
• Payment & Incoterm: <e.g., ex-warehouse / CIF>
Please attach photos and confirm sample availability (1–2 kg).
Regards, <Your Name & Company> • <GSTIN> • <Phone>
FAQs
Is Yaheedi good for daily snacking?
Yes. It’s mildly sweet, not overly sticky, and economical for everyday retail pouches.
What’s the difference vs. Kimia?
Kimia/Mazafati are soft and moist (need cooler handling). Yaheedi/Zahidi are semi-dry with a firmer bite and longer ambient stability.
Does size affect price a lot?
Yes—larger, more uniform pieces typically command premiums in retail grades.
Can I use Yaheedi for paste or syrup?
Absolutely. It’s widely used for dice, paste and syrup thanks to lower stickiness and dependable solids.
Get a wholesale quote — Share your target grade, pack and destination.
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