Various types of dates exist around the world. For example, Deglet Noor is the most favorite date in the United States and Western Europe. Deglet Noor dates which are hard and sweet, are the ordinary dates which you can find in stores at any time of the year.
Medjool Dates
Medjool dates, as another type of dates, are mostly used in Europe and the United States. Here, we compare these two dates regarding their flavor, texture, calorie, nutritional properties, uses in cooking and price, so that you become more familiar with these two types and know how to buy each of them economically.
Flavor and texture
Deglet Noor dates are hard, fleshy, sweet, and light red to amber in color, while Medjool dates are smooth and stretchy with a caramel-like flavor. Due to the presence of high amount of fructose in Medjool dates, these dates are sweeter than Deglet Noor dates. They are also larger than Deglet Noor dates.
Calories
If you are someone who cares about the calories in his/her diet, then be aware that neither of these two dates are suitable for you: both have approximately 300 calories per 100 g (Medjool dates = 277 calories; Deglet Noor dates = 282 calories). Both dates get their most calories from sugars, but there is a big difference in the type of their sugars: Deglet Noor dates have approximately equal amounts of fructose, glucose and sucrose, while Medjool dates have almost fructose and glucose.
Nutritional properties
The nutritional properties of both date types are the same, and it means that you can obtain similar health advantages from both types. Both Medjool and Deglet Noor dates are full of selenium, copper, potassium, and magnesium and eating100 g of them provides 15% of your body’s daily need for these minerals. They also supply considerable amounts of calcium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, niacin (vitamin B3), and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) for your body.
Uses in cooking
Medjools and Deglet Noor dates can be used instead of each other in recipes using dates. But the people who are fond of date believe that stretchy Medjool dates are not the best option to bake bread but they are great for smoothies or being eaten solely. Conversely, Deglet Noor dates are commonly used for baking and cooking.
Price
The cultivation of Medjool dates is a hard and tedious work and Medjool dates are usually more expensive than dates without kernels. Now, we present some tips concerning buying healthy and affordable dates, whether ordinary or the more expensive Medjool dates:
Comparing prices for each pound: Smaller packages of dates usually seem cheaper, but if you want to buy a small package, its price may be higher per pound or per kilogram. If you do not know the price of per pound or per kilogram of dates, you can immediately calculate by using a calculator.
Buying in bulk: Many people do not know that buying dried foods in bulk will benefit them economically. Buying in bulk is particularly appropriate for goods including dried dates. Moreover, it is possible for you to freeze all the dates you buy. Therefore, buying dates in bulk is in your favor.
Checking prices on the Internet: Whether you want to buy dates in bulk or less, you can check out online stores. The interesting point about online stores, such as Amazon, is that such stores offer a wide variety of a particular food item, i.e., more diverse brands and prices, so you have more choices (see selection of dried dates on Amazon).