In Indomaret, various brands of dates are available. Which one is better, huh?
The fasting month is synonymous with dates. Usually, this one fruit is used as an initial snack when breaking the fast. Of course not without reason, let alone follow the Arab-style style. Judging from medical reviews, dates are indeed suitable for breaking the fast because of their high nutritional value. It is known, this one fruit contains simple carbohydrates that are able to restore energy after a day of fasting. Meanwhile, from the perspective of Islamic religious teachings, consuming dates to break the fast is the Prophet’s recommendation.
That’s why, many people stock up on dates during Ramadan. Especially, for those who have stomach acid complaints like me. Eating dates when breaking the fast and dawn has become a kind of obligation.
Just like fruit in general, dates also have many types, for example ajwa, sukari, medjool, etc. As for the trademarks, there are several brands that we often see perched on Indomaret windows. So, which of these brands tastes better? Let’s compare.
#1 First Dates
This one date is packaged in a transparent standing pouch container measuring 225 grams. The packaging design is quite eye-catching with the dominating green and golden yellow colors. The zipper or clip on the top of the container makes it easy for consumers to reseal the packaging tightly.
In terms of taste, First Dates actually has a good taste. The sweetness is just right, the texture is also soft. But unfortunately, when I opened the package, there was a smell which in my opinion was quite disturbing. Don’t ask what smells. I don’t know. What is clear, not the typical smell of dates because it smells more like medicine. Preservative smell? Or the smell of plastic packaging? Who knows.
The price for First Dates at Indomaret is around IDR 33,000, ygy. If you get a discount, you can pay with only 15 thousand in cash.
#2 Tunisian Hijra Dates
Hijra is included in the type of deglet nour date. Unlike the First Dates, which tend to be dark in color, Hijra dates have a lighter color like the future. That said, deglet nour is a superior variety and is very well known in Algeria, Tunisia, America and Libya.
The advantage is that the flesh is tough, sticky and soft. The texture and fiber are also felt when bitten. In other words, this Hijra is not the type of exaggerated soft date that can be crushed just by being squeezed.
The minus, there is no mini packaging at Indomaret. At Indomaret, Hijra is sold in packs of 500 grams for IDR 56,000.
#3 Date Crown Khenaizi
Super soft and sweet like it contains honey, that’s Date Crown Khenaizi dates. How soft? Well, 11-12 with the softness of the Cilembu roasted sweet potato inside. So, you don’t need to chew 32 times before finally swallowing this one fruit. Diemut ae, Gaes.
Oh, yes, Date Crown Khenaizi also doesn’t have a dry skin layer on the outside. Perfect for those of you who don’t like dates that are covered in lies, uh, the outer skin. The price of Date Crown Khenaizi in a 250 gram package is only IDR 21,000 at Indomaret. The packaging is easy to spot thanks to the bright color like a fushia lipstick.
#4 Khalas Date Crown
Still from the Date Crown line, the next date at Indomaret is the Khalas Date Crown. The difference between Date Crown Khenaizi and Khalas lies in their color. Khalas Date Crown dates are lighter in color than the khenaizi variant. In addition, Khalas Date Crown also has a thin layer of skin on the outside, and has a larger size. The flesh is also thicker and textured. But for the level of sweetness, Khalas Date Crown has to succumb.
The annoying thing about this Khalas Date Crown is the packaging. If Khenaizi is packaged in a standing pouch which can be closed again thanks to the zipper, Khalas Date Crown is packaged in a box with only a plastic seal on the top. So when the top plastic is torn off, the box doesn’t have a lid. You know Pop Mie cup? Yes, that’s the kind of packaging. Any shadows?
You can redeem the 250 gram Khalas Date Crown at Indomaret for IDR 28,000.
#5 Palm Fruit
The dates used for the Palm Fruit trademark come from Tunisia. Its distinctive feature is its large oval shape, tends to dry, and is still packaged with the stem. That is why, Palm Fruit dates are also known as stalk dates.
At Indomaret, Palm Fruit is sold in packs of 50 grams for IDR 25,000. It doesn’t disappoint. The sweetness is just right, the fruit flesh is also rich in fiber. The best way to enjoy this type of date is to chew it.
So, among the five brands above, which one is the most delicious?
Depends. If you like dates that are soft, like there is honey in it, I recommend Date Crown Khenaizi. On the other hand, if you are the type of person who prefers to enjoy dates by chewing them, and you don’t want them to be too sweet, Hijra is the answer. But if the budget is not tight, Date Crown Khalas is the next best choice.
Or, do you want something free without the hassle of buying it at Indomaret? Easy. Just go to the mosque. Mosque takmir usually provide free dates for their congregation, just to break the fast.
Author: Dyan Arfiana Ayu Puspita
Editor: Intan Ekapratiwi
ALSO READ 5 Benefits of Dates for Breaking the Fast.
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