Halawi Dates

Halawi dates are known as a ‘soft date.’ Nature’s perfect candy, the Halawi date’s unique sweetness makes it a favorite with date lovers. Its name even comes from the Arabic word for “sweet.” These oblong, medium-sized dates have an attractive light brown skin and a smooth, melt-in-the-mouth texture. On this page Devik International Inc. explains where Halawi dates come from, how they taste, what research says about them, and how to store and enjoy them.

What are Halawi dates?

Halawi (also spelled Halawy or Hallawi) is a traditional date variety that originated in Iraq, historically around the Shatt al-Arab region near Basra. It is now grown in several date-producing countries, including the Middle East and the desert regions of the southwestern United States. Halawi is classed as a soft date, which means the ripe fruit has a high moisture content, a thin skin and tender flesh.

Compared with a Medjool, a Halawi date is smaller and slimmer, and its color is usually a lighter golden to amber brown. Its skin is delicate and often slightly wrinkled, and the fruit is naturally glossy when fresh.

Taste and texture

Many tasters say the smooth texture of this variety carries a creamy, caramel-like flavor, with notes of honey and even a hint of chocolate, all completely natural. Halawi is one of the sweetest of the common date varieties.

• Size: small to medium, oblong.
• Texture: soft, creamy and moist, with a thin, tender skin.
• Flavor: very sweet, with caramel and honey notes.
• Color: golden to light amber brown.

What research says about Halawi dates

Halawi dates have been included in scientific research on how dates affect the body. A pilot study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2009 by a Technion – Israel Institute of Technology team led by Professor Michael Aviram looked at healthy volunteers who ate 100 grams of either Medjool or Halawi dates every day for four weeks.

Despite the sweet taste of the fruit, eating the dates did not raise the volunteers’ fasting blood sugar or blood fat (triglyceride) levels. In the Halawi group, triglyceride levels and markers of oxidative stress actually went down slightly. Oxidative stress is linked to the oxidation of cholesterol, a process that can help fatty plaque build up on artery walls over time.

These results are encouraging, but it is important to keep them in context. It was a small study with only ten participants over one month, so it does not prove that dates prevent heart disease or that they are safe in unlimited amounts. Professor Aviram’s group is also known for research on pomegranates, red wine and olive oil and their possible effects on cardiovascular health. If you have diabetes or another health condition, speak to your doctor or dietitian before changing your diet.

Professor Aviram’s published research can be accessed here (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2009).

Halawi date nutrition

Like other dates, Halawi dates are a whole fruit that provides natural sugars (mainly glucose and fructose), dietary fiber, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Because they are smaller than Medjools, a typical serving is around four to five dates. Exact nutrition values vary with the growing region and how moist the fruit is, so check the label on your pack for precise figures.

How to enjoy Halawi dates

With their soft, creamy texture, Halawi dates are made for eating fresh, but they are also a wonderful ingredient:

• As a natural sweet: serve them with coffee or tea in place of candy.
• Date paste and syrups: their soft flesh blends easily into a smooth paste for baking or for sweetening oatmeal and yogurt.
• Desserts: chop into puddings, ice cream or cakes for pockets of caramel sweetness.
• Cheese boards: pair with tangy cheeses, nuts and fresh fruit.
• Ramadan and celebrations: like other dates, Halawi is a traditional choice for breaking the fast and for sharing with guests.

How to store Halawi dates

Because Halawi is a soft, moist date, it is best kept cool. Store the dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for several months, or freeze them for up to a year. Take them out a little while before serving so they return to their soft, creamy texture. At room temperature, eat them within a few weeks.

Halawi vs Medjool and Deglet Nour

Halawi sits between our other two varieties: it is as soft and sweet as a Medjool date, but smaller and lighter in color, while Deglet Nour dates are firmer and less sweet. See the full comparison of all our date varieties.

Buying Halawi dates from Devik International

Halawi dates are available from us subject to the season. For current pack sizes and pricing, please contact our team.

Halawi dates: frequently asked questions

What does Halawi mean?

Halawi comes from the Arabic word for “sweet,” a fitting name for one of the sweetest date varieties.

Are Halawi dates soft or dry?

Halawi is a soft date, with moist, creamy flesh and a thin skin.

Do Halawi dates raise blood sugar?

Halawi dates are naturally high in sugar. A small 2009 pilot study found that eating 100 g a day for four weeks did not raise fasting blood sugar in healthy adults, but people with diabetes should get personal advice from a health professional.

How are Halawi dates different from Medjool dates?

Halawi dates are smaller, slimmer and lighter in color, with a similar soft texture and a honey-caramel sweetness.