today, more than half of the world’s consumed dates are cultivated in the fertile regions of Khuzestan, Mesopotamia, along the Karun River, and across Iran and Iraq. This geographical concentration is the key reason behind the vast variety of date palm species found in Iran.

In this article, we introduce ten of the most popular Iranian dates, both in terms of domestic consumption and global export.

Mazafati Dates

Dark in color and high in moisture, Mazafati is often referred to as a “wet date.” It is one of the most beloved varieties in Iran and around the world, praised for its rich taste and soft texture. Mazafati is also a leading export product of I.M.P. Nuts Company.

Pyarom Dates

Pyarom is a premium semi-dry date with low fructose content, making it a diabetic-friendly natural sweetener. Grown primarily in Hormozgan Province, it is one of the most expensive and late-harvest varieties in Iran.

Colonial Dates

Primarily harvested in Khuzestan, Colonial dates are semi-dry, high in calories and natural sugars. They’re ideal for athletes and individuals seeking energy-rich snacks. Thanks to their low moisture content, they are well-suited for export.

Shahani Dates

Known for their high moisture and sweet flavor, Shahani dates are popular for juice and paste production. Their attractive color and taste make them a favorite among local consumers.

Rabi Dates

Rabi dates, with their red-black skin, are mostly cultivated in southern Iran and Sistan-Baluchestan. They are large, elongated, shiny, and low in humidity—giving them a long shelf life and strong export potential.

Zahedi Dates

This semi-dry date is light brown with soft, shiny skin and a sweet aroma. Oval-shaped with yellow flesh, Zahedi is commonly used for both domestic use and export.

Kabkab Dates

A semi-dry variety with rich nectar and a strong local following. Kabkab dates are mainly grown and harvested in the groves of Behbahan and are popular for their juice content and flavor.

Khasouei Dates

Also cultivated in Behbahan, Khasouei dates are small, long-lasting, and easy to store. Despite their modest size, they enjoy a loyal customer base.

Barhi Dates

Originally from Iraq, Barhi dates are now also grown in southern Iran. When ripe, they offer a delightful caramel flavor. Their crisp texture and natural sweetness make them a unique treat. They can be stored frozen for months.

Mardasang Dates

This rare variety is native to Kerman Province and southern Iran. Due to limited production, Mardasang dates are not widely exported but remain a prized local specialty.

Iran’s Leading Export Dates

Although Iran cultivates over 400 types of dates, most people are familiar with only 10 to 15 varieties. Among them, Mazafati and Pyarom stand out as the top export choices due to their popularity, taste, and market demand.

Iranian Dried Dates

Dried dates have lower water content, making them ideal for long-term storage and international shipping. Some of the most common dried varieties in Iran include Pyarom, Colonial, Zahedi, Kabkab, Rabi, Barhi, Al Mehtari, Khazravi, and Mardasang.