Medjool Dates vs Regular Dates: What Is the Difference?
If you have only ever eaten chopped dates from the baking aisle, your first Medjool can be quite a surprise.
It is bigger, softer and more substantial, with a rich sweetness often compared to caramel or toffee. But is a Medjool simply a larger, more expensive date?
Not quite.
What is a Medjool date?
Medjool is a specific variety of date rather than a size or quality grade.
The variety is associated with the Tafilalt region of Morocco and is now cultivated in several date growing regions around the world. It is particularly prized for its generous size, soft flesh and deep natural sweetness.
People often use the phrase “regular dates” to describe anything smaller or firmer than a Medjool. In reality, there are many different date varieties, each with its own flavour, texture and character.
These include Ajwa, Sukary, Mabroom, Deglet Noor and many others.
How are Medjool dates different?
| Feature | Medjool dates | Other common date varieties |
|---|---|---|
| Variety | One particular variety | A broad group of different varieties |
| Size | Usually large and plump | Can range from small to large |
| Texture | Soft, fleshy and satisfyingly chewy | Can be soft, firm, sticky or dry |
| Flavour | Rich sweetness with caramel and toffee notes | Can be mild, honeyed, nutty or intensely sweet |
| Best use | Eating whole, stuffing and coating in chocolate | Snacking, baking, cooking and gifting |
| Storage | Cool storage helps preserve their soft texture | Depends on the variety and moisture level |
There is no single date that is automatically better than every other. It depends on the flavour, texture and experience you want.
Medjools are particularly well suited to filled and chocolate covered creations because their larger size provides plenty of room for a generous filling.
Curious about chocolate covered Medjool dates? Try our six piece Discovery Pack for £4.99.
Are Medjool dates fresh or dried?
Medjools are sometimes described as fresh dates while every other variety is described as dried. That explanation is too simple.
Different date varieties ripen and lose moisture in different ways. Dates may also be dried or rehydrated after harvesting to achieve the desired texture and condition.
The softness of a Medjool comes from the variety, its stage of ripeness and its moisture level. It is not simply a question of fresh versus dried.
What do Medjool dates taste like?
A good Medjool should have a deep, rounded sweetness rather than tasting purely sugary.
Many people notice flavours resembling caramel, toffee or honey. The soft flesh also gives the date a satisfying texture that works especially well with nuts, pistachio cream, coconut, coffee and dark chocolate.
This natural caramel character is one reason Medjools work so beautifully in chocolate creations.
Are Medjool dates healthy?
Medjool dates contain naturally occurring sugars, fibre and minerals including potassium.
They can form part of a varied diet, but they are still naturally high in sugar, so portion size matters. Once filled and coated in chocolate, they should be enjoyed for what they are: a proper treat.
We do not believe chocolate needs to pretend to be medicine. We simply believe that if you are going to enjoy something indulgent, it should be made with good ingredients and taste genuinely special.
Why does Salahuddin use Medjool dates?
A chocolate date needs more than sweetness.
It needs a soft centre, enough body to hold its filling and a flavour that will stand up to real chocolate. Medjools give us all three.
We carefully pit each date before adding selected creams, nuts and other fillings. It is then coated in chocolate to create contrasting layers of soft fruit, smooth filling and a satisfying chocolate finish.
The Medjool is not hidden beneath the other ingredients. It remains an important part of every bite.
How should Medjool dates be stored?
Plain Medjool dates should be kept sealed and stored according to the instructions on their packaging. Cool storage can help them retain their softness for longer.
Chocolate covered dates should be kept in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and strong odours. Allowing them to reach room temperature before eating can help the chocolate and filling release more of their flavour.
Which date should you choose?
Choose Medjool dates if you enjoy a large, soft date with a rich caramel character. They are an excellent choice for eating whole, stuffing with nuts or creams and coating in chocolate.
Choose another variety if you prefer something firmer, smaller, less sweet or connected to a particular place and tradition.
There is a whole world of dates to explore. Medjool is simply one of its most generous and indulgent varieties.
Ready to taste the difference?
Our six piece Discovery Pack contains a selection of handcrafted chocolate covered Medjool dates in milk, dark and white chocolate.
It is made for first time customers who want to explore our flavours without committing to a full box.
