Medjool dates are the best-known natural date variety in the world, and they earned the name “king of dates” for good reason: they are large, soft, deeply sweet and remarkably juicy. At Devik International Inc. Medjool is at the heart of our range, packed under our Delilah brand and in premium gift and bulk cartons. This page explains what makes a Medjool date different, what to look for when you buy them, how to store them, and how to enjoy them.
What are Medjool dates?
A Medjool is the fruit of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), a tree that thrives in hot, dry desert climates with access to irrigation water. The variety traces back to Morocco, and it was introduced to the United States in the 1920s from a small number of offshoots. Today Medjool palms are grown in several desert regions around the world, including the Middle East, North Africa and the southwestern United States.
Medjool dates range in color from light amber to deep brown depending on where they are grown and how long they ripen. Grown in the heat of the desert, the fruit dries naturally on the palm while it is still attached to the bunch, which concentrates its sugars while locking moisture inside. That is why a good Medjool feels plump and tender rather than hard or leathery, and why it delivers a burst of flavor and energy with every bite.
Taste and texture
Medjool dates are unique not only for their sweetness but for their unparalleled juiciness. The skin is thin and slightly wrinkled, and the flesh is thick, soft and almost creamy. Most people describe the flavor as rich caramel with notes of honey and brown sugar. Because the fruit is so large, a single Medjool can make a satisfying snack on its own.
- Size: one of the largest date varieties; a single fruit often weighs 20–25 g or more.
- Texture: soft, moist and chewy, with flesh that pulls easily away from the pit.
- Flavor: intensely sweet, with caramel and toffee notes.
- Color: amber to dark mahogany brown.
Medjool date nutrition
Medjool dates are a whole fruit, so their sweetness comes packaged with fiber and minerals. They are a well-known source of dietary fiber and potassium. The figures below are approximate values for 100 g of Medjool dates (roughly four pitted fruits), based on USDA FoodData Central.
| Nutrient (per 100 g) | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Energy | 277 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 75 g |
| of which natural sugars | 66 g |
| Dietary fiber | 6.7 g |
| Protein | 1.8 g |
| Potassium | 696 mg |
| Magnesium | 54 mg |
| Calcium | 64 mg |
Because Medjool dates are rich in natural sugar, a sensible portion is two or three fruits. If you are managing blood sugar or following a specific diet, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about how dates fit into your eating plan.
Our Medjool date range
We offer Medjool dates in formats for retail shelves, gift giving and larger buyers. Depending on season and availability, our range includes:
- Delilah brand Natural Dates Medjoul retail boxes, 2 lb (908 g), Class I.
- Organic Medjoul natural dates in 1 kg Class I boxes.
- Premium Medjoul gift boxes of 1 kg with a window lid that shows off the fruit.
- 5 kg (11 lb) Class I cartons for wholesale, foodservice and repacking.
“Class I” describes a high quality grade with well-formed fruit and only slight skin defects. For current pack sizes, grades, and pricing, please contact our team.
How to choose good Medjool dates
Whether you are buying a single box or a pallet, the same signs of quality apply:
- The fruit should look plump and glossy, with skin that is wrinkled but not cracked open or crystallized.
- Dates should feel soft and slightly sticky, not hard or dry.
- Color should be even within the pack; a mix of very light and very dark fruit can signal uneven ripening.
- The aroma should be sweet and clean, with no sour or fermented smell.
A little white sugar bloom on the skin is natural and harmless. It is simply sugar moving to the surface, and it usually disappears if the dates are warmed slightly.
How to store Medjool dates
Medjool dates are a fresh fruit that has been naturally dried, so they keep well if you store them correctly. At cool room temperature in an airtight container they will stay good for several weeks. In the refrigerator they keep for several months, and frozen they can last up to a year. Let refrigerated dates come to room temperature before serving to bring back their soft, caramel texture. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods, as dates absorb odors easily.
Ways to enjoy Medjool dates
The simplest way to enjoy a Medjool is straight from the box. Their size and soft texture also make them a favorite in the kitchen:
- Stuffed dates: slit, remove the pit and fill with nut butter, almonds, walnuts or soft cheese.
- Natural sweetener: blend pitted Medjools into smoothies, sauces and dressings, or make a smooth date paste for baking.
- Energy bites: combine dates with nuts, oats and cocoa for no-bake snacks.
- Cheese boards: Medjool dates pair beautifully with aged cheeses, cured meats and fresh fruit.
- Breaking the fast: dates are a traditional food for breaking the fast during Ramadan, and Medjools are a popular gift during the holy month.
Medjool compared with other dates
Medjool is the largest and softest of the three varieties we offer. If you prefer a firmer, less sweet date that holds its shape in baking, try our Deglet Nour dates. If you love a soft, honey-sweet date in a smaller size, try our Halawi dates. For a side-by-side comparison, see our guide to all our date varieties.
Medjool dates: frequently asked questions
Why are Medjool dates called the king of dates?
Because of their large size, soft texture and rich, caramel sweetness. Historically they were a prized fruit, and today they remain one of the most sought-after date varieties.
Do Medjool dates have pits?
Yes. Whole Medjool dates contain a single long pit that is easy to remove: press the date open with your thumb or make a small slit with a knife.
How many Medjool dates should I eat a day?
For most people, two or three dates is a sensible portion that adds fiber and potassium without too much sugar. Your ideal amount depends on your overall diet and health needs.
Can I buy Medjool dates in bulk?
Yes. We supply Medjool dates in 5 kg (11 lb) cartons as well as retail boxes. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.
