Special Delivery — Yellow Barhi Dates are here!

Sphinx Date Co. is excited to announce the special delivery of locally grown Yellow Barhi dates — available in-store and online for just a limited time only! They will only be here a few weeks so get them while they last!

These specialty dates are harvested in the Khalal stage of development prior to ripening. At this stage, the dates are crunchy like an apple with a crisp texture and semi-sweet flavor. While most people know the many ways to enjoy and cook with Medjool dates, Yellow Barhi dates have their own unique characteristics that make them enjoyable in different ways.

Like other dates, they are a great source of vitamins and nutrients. Yellow Barhi dates have lots of fiber, potassium, copper and manganese. They are also loaded with vitamin C, iron, antioxidants, zinc, vitamin B and magnesium.  

Believed to be native to Iraq, Yellow Barhi dates were brought to the U.S. by agricultural explorer Paul Popenoe, who together with his father and brothers planted more than 9,000 palm offshoots in California. Soon, Barhi palms were abundant in Coachella Valley, an area well known for planting date palms.

Yellow Barhi dates can be enjoyed skin on but watch the pit! Much like other date varieties, they complement a number of dishes and can simply be enjoyed as part of a charcuterie platter or thinly sliced or diced for dessert toppings.

Traditionally in the Middle East, Yellow Barhi dates are cooked with a variety of nuts, sugar, spices and ghee. This sweet treat is called date halwa, and the texture can range from thick and soft to firm and crunchy, depending on the region or how it is made. This is usually served in honor of celebrations.

If left out, Yellow Barhi dates will continue to ripen and mature. At this stage, they are creamy and ideal to be used as spreads (served with brie and crackers, for example) or used into smoothies or dessert recipes such as cobblers. They are rather perishable, so enjoy them within a few days or store them in the refrigerator to preserve their life a bit longer. The yellow and semi-ripe stage of the date is known as the khalal stage, the fully ripe stage is called rutab and dried it is known as tamr.

Lots is happening now that harvest season is here! Medjool dates will be here mid-September and we have more announcements coming soon — stay tuned!

Meanwhile, stop into the Palm & Pantry or click here to order some Yellow Barhi Dates.