Safawi Dates تمر الصفوي

Safawi grows in the orchards of Al-Madinah alongside Ajwa, spreading widely in the twentieth century as an everyday choice for Madinah families and visitors. Its crates reach the markets around the Holy Mosque every season, and exports travel to South Asia and Europe, where its long shelf life is prized.

Velvety black with a faint sheen, its semi-dry flesh gives a satisfying, chewy bite. Sweetness is moderate with a molasses-and-raisin depth, and the skin clings to the flesh without excessive wrinkling. It is a favourite iftar date in Ramadan: filling, yet never heavy.

Safawi ranks among the most mineral-rich dates — notably potassium, magnesium and iron — with high fibre. It is popularly called a 'fortifying' date and serves as an economical stand-in for Ajwa in traditional recipes.