Madinah region is renowned for its diverse date crops, with Anbara dates a particularly prized variety. After Ajwa, Anbara is one of the most famous date varieties grown in the region. Medium-size dates and late-ripening, Anbara dates have a distinctive rectangular shape.
To ensure quality, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has set standard specifications; that facilitates local and international trade, encourages producing high-quality dates, improves economic returns for producers and exporters, and safeguards consumer interest.
Anbara dates are considered a rare commodity in Saudi Arabia. Their cultivation is challenging, requiring careful attention and specific growing conditions. The palm trees are known for their weak structure, necessitating pruning and thinning to ensure optimal fruit production. Annual yields per palm tree typically do not exceed 70 kilograms.
There are three grades of Anbara dates: excellent, first, and second. Excellent are dates weighing at least 13 grams each
and containing no more than 38 dates in a 500-gram package. The first grade requires a minimum weight of 10 grams per date and a maximum of 50 dates in a 500-gram package. The second grade represents the minimum standard, with a single date weighing at least 6 grams and a 500-gram package containing no more than 83 dates.
Prized for their rarity, beautiful dark red color, and pleasant aroma, Anbara dates are often given as gifts.
They are monosaccharide dates, meaning their sugar content primarily consists of glucose and fructose.
Source: Saudi Press Agency