Dates in high demand for breaking fast

Begum Bazar: In the month of Ramzan (Islamic month), more than 40 varieties of dates, particularly the ones imported from the Gulf countries, are much in demand. According to the wholesalers in Begum Bazar, there is an increase of 10 to15% in the rates of all varieties of dates.

Most customers are seen buying imported varieties of dates from Iran and Iraq (Zahidi dates) whose price ranges are from Rs 70 to 200 per kg. The other varieties are just above the normal Indian date prices, known as pindkhajoor.

Depending upon the economic situation of the family, the customers prefer premium dates coming from Iran, Iraq Tunisia, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Whereas some of the varieties like Ajwa, known to be the king of dates, are sold at premium prices of Rs 2,000 and above in the market.

Speaking to The Hans India Raj Kumar Tandon of Kashmir House said that there is an increase of 10 percent in the prices of the dates this year.

Famously the varieties of Dates being sold in city are Kimia, Shukkuri, KupKup, Khudri, Mariyum, and the dates filled with some dry fruits like almond, nuts, apricots etc are sold at a high price. Beside this, Mazafati, Kalmi, Mashrooq, Maghroom and more 8 varieties of dates are from Saudi Arabia, which prices starts from Rs 400 per kg are also sold. While Ajwa, the top-most premium variety is grown in Saudi Arabia. This date variety is rare and is only available in Saudi, said Raj Kumar Tandon.

He said that his shop, which sells dry fruits and dates since Nizam's period more than 70 years ago and the oldest shop in Begum Bazar has the maximum variety of dates. "Demand for dates is high during Ramzan, as customers buy in huge quantities for the whole month. Dates are also one of the important ingredients of Sheer Khorma, which is relished as a dessert on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr, the conclusion day of Ramzan. Earlier only two or three varieties were there and now there are more than 40 varieties of dates can be found here, most of which are imported varieties," he added.

Dates are considered to be an important fruit, as traditionally the devout Muslims break the fast by consuming it, while other fruits or eatables are considered later for consumption.