Variety Profile • Dates (Phoenix dactylifera)
Sukkari Dates (2025): Benefits, Taste, Storage, Prices & Where to Buy
Quick answer
What are Sukkari dates? A naturally sweet, soft variety from Saudi Arabia’s Qassim region; “Sukkari” means sugary.
What do they taste like? Honey-like sweetness with a melt-in-mouth bite (less chewy than Medjool).
Are they healthy? Provide fiber, potassium, and natural sugars. Enjoy moderate portions within a balanced diet.
Calories? Roughly 270–300 kcal per 100 g (varies by brand/moisture). Typical snack: 2–3 dates.
How to store? Cool & dry for short periods; refrigerate in warm climates; freeze for long holds (airtight).
Sukkari vs Medjool? Sukkari: softer, honey-sweet; Medjool: larger, darker, more caramel-like and chewy.
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What are Sukkari dates?
Sukkari (Arabic: تمر سكري) is a celebrated variety of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) known for its naturally high sweetness and soft, delicate bite. It is strongly associated with Saudi Arabia’s Qassim region. The name literally means “sugary,” a fair hint at the flavor profile. Because Sukkari is approachable—sweet, soft, and less fibrous than some cousins—it’s a common “first love” date for new consumers and a dependable favorite for regulars.
Taste & texture
Sukkari delivers a honey-like sweetness with gentle notes of toffee. The skin is thin; the flesh is tender and often melt-in-mouth depending on moisture. Compared to Medjool, Sukkari is:
- Softer on average, especially in fresh (Rutab) form.
- Lighter in color—golden to amber rather than deep mahogany.
- Less chewy, making it easy for children and older adults.
Nutrition & benefits
Dates are a whole-food sweetener providing carbohydrates for quick energy alongside dietary fiber, potassium, and trace minerals. Typical date nutrition per 100 g: ~270–300 kcal, ~70–75 g carbohydrates (of which sugars are the majority), ~6–8 g fiber, ~1–2 g protein, and small amounts of fat. These numbers vary with moisture, cultivar, and brand.
- Digestive support: Fiber helps regularity and meal satiety.
- Electrolytes: Potassium supports normal muscle and nerve function.
- Convenient energy: Natural sugars suit pre-workout or hiking snacks.
Note: Dates are naturally sweet. If you manage blood sugar or other conditions, follow personalized medical advice on portions and frequency.
Grades & forms (Rutab vs Tamr)
Like many date varieties, Sukkari appears across ripeness stages and grades:
- Rutab (fresh/soft): Higher moisture; plush, spoonable flesh; often needs cool storage.
- Tamr (semi-dry/dry): Lower moisture; firmer bite; practical for room-temp retail and longer travel.
Grades (terminology varies by packer) typically signal size, uniformity, and defect tolerance. Premium grades suit gifting; core grades suit everyday snacking and online rotation.
How to choose quality Sukkari
- Color & gloss: Golden to amber; avoid excessive whitening or surface sugar crystals.
- Skin & seams: Mostly intact; light, natural wrinkling is fine; avoid tears with syrup leakage.
- Aroma: Mild honey/caramel; reject sour or musty notes.
- Handling: Prefer pitted only if fresh throughput is quick; whole dates retain moisture better in storage.
Storage & shelf-life (home & retail)
Short term: Keep sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat. In warm/humid climates, refrigerate.
Best quality: For soft Sukkari (Rutab), maintain a cool chain from supplier to home. At retail, avoid warm spotlights over displays.
- Home: Airtight container; refrigerate for weeks; freeze (in portions) for months.
- Retail/HoReCa: FEFO rotation; check case seals; train staff on cool display.
Serving ideas & recipes
Everyday uses
- Snack: Pair 2–3 Sukkari with nuts for a balanced mini-meal.
- Date paste: Blend with a splash of water to sweeten oats, smoothies, and sauces.
- Stuffed bites: Fill with almonds/walnuts, or soft cheese and a pinch of sea salt.
Recipe sketches
- Sukkari Energy Balls: Pulse pitted Sukkari, oats, walnuts, and a spoon of nut butter. Roll and chill.
- Honey-Sukkari Lassi: Blend yogurt, chilled milk, 3 pitted Sukkari, cardamom; serve cold.
- Savory Chop: Toss chopped Sukkari into leafy salads with feta, cucumber, mint, and a lemon-olive oil dressing.
Sukkari vs Medjool (and other varieties)
| Feature | Sukkari | Medjool |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Golden to amber | Deep brown |
| Bite | Soft, tender | Chewy, meaty |
| Flavor | Honey-sweet | Caramel-like |
| Use | Snacking, gifting | Snacking, baking, smoothies |
Also popular: Ajwa (dark, prized in gifting), Deglet Noor (semi-dry, versatile), Barhi (when fresh/yellow, seasonal).
Price factors & pack sizes
- Grade & size: Larger, uniform lots command premiums.
- Moisture & handling: Soft (Rutab) needs careful cool chain; costs more to move.
- Seasonality & demand: Ramadan/Diwali spikes influence pricing and availability.
- Packs: Retail 250–500 g discovery; 1 kg family; gift boxes; bulk 5–10 kg or 30 kg trade formats.
Label checklist (India • FSSAI)
- Product name (Dates — Sukkari) and vegetarian logo.
- Net quantity; lot/batch; date of packing; best-before.
- Ingredient list: Dates (100%).
- Nutrition per 100 g (brand-verified).
- Storage instruction (e.g., Keep in a cool, dry place; refrigerate in warm climates).
- Importer/packer name & address; FSSAI license number; customer support.
- Optional QR for origin notes and storage tips.
FAQs
Is Sukkari good for beginners?
Yes. It’s soft, sweet, and approachable—an easy on-ramp to dates.
How many Sukkari dates per day?
Portions depend on your energy needs. Many people enjoy 2–3 pieces as a snack. If you manage blood sugar, follow medical guidance.
Why does some Sukkari look lighter?
Color varies with ripeness and handling. Light surface speckling can be natural; visible crystals or sour odor are warning signs.
Can I use Sukkari in baking?
Yes. Date paste works well for muffins, granola bars, and brownies. Reduce added sugar to balance sweetness.
What’s the best storage in hot weather?
Refrigeration. Keep in airtight containers; avoid frequent temperature cycling to prevent condensation and texture drift.
Where to buy
Look for fresh throughput, clear grading, and sealed packs. Reputable specialty stores and importer-linked online shops are safest. For wholesale or private label in India, you can request lane-specific quotes and documentation (origin notes, COA, phytosanitary) from importer-distributors operating near APMC hubs.
Get today’s quote (wholesale or retail programs)
Hurzuk Enterprise LLP — Importer & Distributor
📍 APMC Vashi Market, Navi Mumbai • 📞 +91 8879 666 906 • ✉️ hurzuk.abid@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely brilliant guide on Sukkari Dates! 🌟 As someone who’s been part of the dates industry for over a decade, I can confidently say this article captures the true essence of Sukkari — from their golden, melt-in-the-mouth texture to their rich nutritional profile. What stands out is how well it explains how to select premium Sukkari, especially with so many lookalikes in the wholesale market today. Also, highlighting their role in boosting energy, supporting digestion, and even enhancing mood makes this a top-tier read for health-conscious buyers and gourmet lovers alike. If anyone is sourcing Sukkari in bulk, this guide is a must-read before stepping into the APMC Vashi market or importing from Saudi Arabia. 🍯🌴
Amazing article on Sukkari.
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