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Quick answer
For a month of iftar, a family of four breaking the fast with three dates each will need roughly 3.5–4 kg of mid-size dates such as Kalmi or Fard, or about 2.5–3 kg of large Medjool if everyone takes a single Medjool instead. Most Hyderabad families mix two kinds: a premium date like Ajwa for the first bite, and an everyday date for the table and for guests.
In Hyderabad, Ramzan is a month when the city eats together. The iftar plate at home has dates, fruit, a glass of sherbet or rooh afza, and later the haleem that the city waits for all year. Dates are the one thing on that plate that has to be bought in bulk, so it is worth buying well.
Why dates, and why an odd number
Breaking the fast with dates follows the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who is reported to have broken his fast with fresh dates, or dried dates if there were none, or water. Many families also keep to an odd number, one, three or five, and plan their buying around three per person.
Dates are also practical after a long day’s fast: soft, sweet, easy on an empty stomach, and quick to serve. About 280 kcal per 100 g for most dried varieties, most of it natural sugar. Anyone diabetic should talk to their doctor about how many to eat at iftar.
Which dates to buy: the four most asked for
| Date | Where from | Texture and taste | Best used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajwa | Madinah, Saudi Arabia | Small, very dark, soft, mildly sweet, slightly dry skin | The first date at iftar; gifting to elders |
| Medjool | Grown in several countries | Large, fleshy, soft, caramel-sweet | A single date that feels like a treat; guests |
| Kalmi / Safawi | Madinah region | Mid-size, long, dark, soft and a little chewy | Everyday iftar date for the whole family |
| Fard | Gulf region | Mid-size, dark, semi-dry, not too sweet | Value for a large household or mosque donations |
Ajwa Dates are the ones families reach for with the most respect, because of their association with Madinah. They sit at the top of the price range.
Medjool Dates are the largest and softest. One Medjool weighs about as much as two or three smaller dates, so most people take one rather than three.
Kalmi / Safawi Dates are a good middle choice: soft, not too sweet, and reasonably priced for daily eating.
Fard Black Dates are firmer and drier, which means they travel and store well, and they suit anyone who finds soft dates too sugary. They are the practical choice if you are buying for a big iftar or for giving.
Khajur runs from around at today's shop rate a kilo across these varieties. The whole range, including Kimia, is on our dates shelf. For how to judge any khajur by look and touch, read how to judge a khajur before you buy it.
How many dates to buy for Ramzan
Counts per kilo vary by lot, so treat these as working figures and weigh a handful when your first pack arrives.
| Household | Small and mid-size (Ajwa, Kalmi, Fard), 3 a day each | Large (Medjool), 1 a day each |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | about 1 kg | about 700 g |
| Family of 4 | about 3.5–4 kg | about 2.5–3 kg |
| Family of 6 | about 5.5–6 kg | about 4 kg |
| Extra for guests and sending out | add 1–2 kg | add 500 g–1 kg |
A sensible plan for a family of four: 1 kg of Ajwa for the first date each evening, 3 kg of Kalmi or Fard for the plate and for guests, and a pack of Medjool for the days when relatives come over. Most of our dates come in 500 g packs, so that is two, six and one or two packs.
There is no need to buy all of it at once. Many families order half before Ramzan begins and the rest in the second week, which keeps the dates fresh.
Storing dates through the month
Ramzan moves about ten or eleven days earlier each year, and over the next few years it falls in the cooler part of Hyderabad’s year, well before the heat of April and May. Even so, dates need looking after once opened.
- Soft dates (Medjool, Kalmi, Ajwa): keep in an airtight box in the fridge once opened. Take out what you need an hour before iftar so they come to room temperature.
- Semi-dry dates (Fard): an airtight jar in a cool cupboard is fine for several weeks.
- Keep dates away from strong smells like onions and spices; they absorb them.
- White sugary spots on a date are usually its own sugar coming to the surface, not mould. Fuzzy or sour-smelling dates should be thrown away.
Ordering in time
Delivery to Hyderabad takes 3–5 days. Order a week before the first roza so the dates are home before you need them. A month’s dates for a family will usually cross ₹1,000, our minimum order, and every order ships free. See today’s dry fruit prices in Hyderabad before you plan the order.
Questions people ask
How many dates should I buy for Ramzan?
For three dates each per day, plan about 1 kg of mid-size dates per person for the month, plus 1–2 kg extra for guests.
Which dates are best for iftar?
Ajwa is the most valued for the first date. Kalmi and Fard are good everyday choices, and Medjool is the large, soft treat for guests.
Should I keep dates in the fridge during Ramzan?
Soft dates keep better in the fridge once opened. Semi-dry dates like Fard are fine in an airtight jar in a cool cupboard.
Are Medjool dates the same as Ajwa?
No. Medjool are large, fleshy and caramel-sweet. Ajwa are small, very dark and softer in sweetness.
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Written at our counter, where these questions get asked every week.
