Dates in Israel

Israel is known for producing high-quality dates, with a history of date cultivation dating back to ancient times. In fact, the date palm tree is one of the seven species mentioned in the Torah as being native to the land of Israel.

Today, Israel is a significant producer and exporter of dates, with the majority of its production coming from the Jordan Valley, Arava, and Judean Desert regions. The main varieties grown in Israel include Medjool, Hayani, and Barhi.

The Israeli dates industry is highly advanced, with advanced technology and techniques being used to ensure high yields and quality. The industry is also focused on sustainability and minimizing water use, with the use of advanced irrigation systems and wastewater treatment.

In addition to exporting fresh dates, Israel also produces a range of processed date products, including date paste, date syrup, and date-based confectioneries. The dates industry plays an important role in the Israeli economy, providing jobs and income for thousands of people.

Three Main Varieties of Dates

Medjool, Barhi, and Hayani are the major species aka different types of dates. However, there are more than 30 different varieties of dates. Learn more about some differences between them:

1. Appearance: Medjool dates are large and plump with a caramel-brown color. Barhi dates are small, round, and have a golden-brown color. Hayani dates are medium-sized with a reddish-brown color.
2. Texture: Medjool dates have a soft, chewy texture, while Barhi dates are firm and crunchy when fresh. Hayani dates are also soft and chewy.
3. Flavor: Medjool dates have a sweet and rich flavor with hints of caramel. Barhi dates have a caramel-like flavor, with a slightly nutty aftertaste. Hayani dates have a milder, sweeter flavor.
4. Ripening: Medjool dates are usually harvested when they are fully ripe, while Barhi dates are often harvested when they are still slightly underripe and then allowed to ripen further off the tree. Hayani dates are usually left on the tree to ripen fully.
5. Season: Medjool dates are typically harvested in the fall, while Barhi dates are harvested in late summer. Hayani dates are usually harvested in mid- to late summer.

Major Brands of Israel

There are several popular brands of dates from Israel, some of which include:

1. Hadiklaim: Hadiklaim is a well-known Israeli date brand that was established in 1982. They produce a variety of high-quality dates, including Medjool, Barhi, and Halawi.
2. Jordan River: Jordan River is another popular Israeli date brand that offers a wide range of dates, including Medjool, Deglet Nour, and Zahidi. They are known for their commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.
3. Top Date: Top Date is a leading Israeli date brand that has been in business for over 20 years. They offer a wide variety of dates, including Medjool, Barhi, and Hayani.
4. Carmel: Carmel is a large agricultural cooperative in Israel that produces a variety of fruits, including dates. They offer several different types of dates, including Medjool, Deglet Nour, and Halawi.
5. King Solomon: King Solomon is a premium Israeli date brand that specializes in producing high-quality Medjool dates. Their dates are known for their large size, soft texture, and sweet flavor.

Overall, Israeli dates are highly regarded for their quality and flavor, and there are many different brands to choose from.

Silan

In Israel, date syrup is commonly known as “silan” and is a popular sweetener used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Some of the major brands of date syrup in Israel include:

1. Hadiklaim – Hadiklaim is one of the leading producers and exporters of dates and date products in Israel. Their date syrup is made from 100% pure dates and is available in different varieties.
2. Galilee Date Company – Galilee Date Company offers a range of date products, including date syrup, date spread, and date honey. Their date syrup is made from natural ingredients and is free from preservatives and additives.
3. Al Arz – Al Arz is a family-owned business that specializes in producing and exporting authentic Middle Eastern products. Their date syrup is made from high-quality dates and is ideal for use in baking, cooking, and as a topping for pancakes and waffles.
4. Beit Hashita – Beit Hashita is a well-known brand in Israel that offers a wide range of food products, including date syrup. Their date syrup is made from natural ingredients and is available in different sizes.
5. Tamar – Tamar is a brand that offers a variety of date products, including date syrup, date spread, and date honey. Their date syrup is made from premium quality dates and is free from additives and preservatives.

These are just a few examples of the major brands of date syrup available in Israel. There are many other brands and variations of date syrup available in the country.

Econmic Keyfigures

Here are some key economic figures related to date production in Israel:

1. Production: In 2021, Israel produced over 80,000 tons of dates, making it one of the largest date producers in the world.
2. Export: In 2021, Israel exported over 50,000 tons of dates, with the majority of exports going to Europe and the United States.
3. Revenue: The revenue generated by Israel’s dates industry is estimated to be around $120 million per year.
4. Employment: The dates industry in Israel provides employment opportunities for thousands of people, including farmers, packers, and transporters.
5. Varieties: Israel is known for its high-quality dates, including the Medjool, Barhi, and Halawi varieties.
6. Research and Development: The Israeli government and private sector invest heavily in research and development to improve date production and increase yields.
7. Sustainability: The dates industry in Israel is committed to sustainable practices, including water conservation and environmentally friendly farming methods.