'Rutab' season arrives in Bahrain, delighting shoppers with tempting tastes and colours

TDT | Manama              

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

As the 'rutab, or semi-ripe dates season commences, early varieties of this delectable fruit, in all their diverse shapes and hues, have flooded the marketplaces in Bahrain. The irresistible taste and excellent quality of summer rutab dates have sent eager shoppers scurrying to stores to secure their share.

Moreover, rutab dates are only available for a limited time, adding to their allure. Rutab dates are believed to offer higher nutritional value compared to fully ripe dates. With their increased moisture content, rutab dates retain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthier choice.

It’s worth noting that dates go through three stages: bisr, rutab, and tamr, all of which are edible. Rutab dates, renowned for their exceptional texture, have become a favourite among discerning palates with their softness and caramel-like flavour. In the rutab stage, dates are rich in moisture and provide a generous dose of natural sugars.

As they progress to the tamr stage, the moisture content decreases while the sugar levels rise. Maria, owner of Palace of Dates, shared with The Daily Tribune, "Eating dates in this hot weather is truly beneficial, and our sales mostly depend on special occasions or the start of the date season.

Rutab dates are purchased in large quantities due to their limited availability." She added, "Depending on the desired weight, prices start at BD1.5 per kilo. A single box costs BD4.5, while a box of two is priced at BD8.5." Given their popularity, dates are in constant high demand, according to Danish Mohammed, owner of a dry fruit and date business.

During the rutab stage, it is common for dates to be pressed and packed for storage. Properly stored rutab dates can maintain their quality for up to eight months, and when frozen, their shelf life can extend to a year. On the other hand, tamr dates have a much longer shelf life and can last up to a full year without freezing.