There are about 50 varieties of dates, and based on their moisture and soluble sugar content, they can be classified into three categories: dry, semi-dry and juicy, all of which are known for their sweet flavor, which is the main characteristic of the fruit. In Brazil, there are generally small, dry and large fresh fruits. The most famous is the Medjool, which is naturally fresh.
It is worth noting that dried dates usually contain up to 80% more sugar in their composition than Medjool dates, for example. This is due to the drying process that is carried out industrially.
When drying fruits, several food preservation techniques are used, but this method is generally carried out on fruits that cannot be used due to various factors: sometimes insufficient packaging and transportation, storage without refrigeration, etc. In other words, in order to increase the commercial value of this product, which is considered unfit for consumption in its fresh form, a drying process is carried out, during which a large part of the water contained in the fruit is extracted.
Semi-dry is a smaller, firmer and less moist variety of the Medjool. It is also very tasty and ideal for enjoying pure or included in cooking preparations. It is still a powerful source of energy, containing twice the amount of carbohydrates compared to fresh dates.
Finally, the Majhool, known as the queen of dates and nature's caramel, is a fresh date that has not undergone any industrial process, which is why it is very juicy and three times the size of other varieties, in addition to containing a lot of fiber and a very sweet flavor.
