Date Varieties: Sukkari
Dates are a good source of rapid energy. They are also rich in many nutrients. Different varieties of dates differ in their color, texture, and nutritional make-up. One variety of date fruit is Sukkari. In Arabic, the word sukkar means sugar. Sukkari, also spelled as sukkary or succary, was given this name because of its extra sweet taste. Sukkari is one of the best-selling date varieties in Saudi Arabia. In fact, it is sometimes called the royal date because of its high quality.
Sukkari and Its Difference to Other Varieties
Sukkari dates are mainly grown in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Sukkari date fruits are considered one of the most famous premium date varieties in the Arab countries. They differ from other varieties in several ways:
Appearance
Sukkari dates have a very unique color. This easily differentiates them from the other date varieties. They are light golden brown with patches of lighter color. They also have a small-to-medium cone shape with a firm exterior. Sukkari dates also have prominent wrinkles and a chewy flesh.
Taste
Sukkari dates are sweet and crisp and have a firm texture. They are sweeter compared to other varieties. The major sugars found in Sukkari dates are glucose, fructose, and sucrose.
Nutrition
Sukkari dates are an excellent source of energy and fiber. They provide various minerals. These include potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Because of this, they can play a major role in nutrition and health.
Below is the nutritional value and minerals content of about 100 grams of Sukkari date flesh:
Sukkari Dates and Their Health Benefits
Antioxidants
Sukkari dates possess a significant amount of natural antioxidants. They can help prevent a number of chronic diseases. Dates are a good source of specific antioxidants. These include: phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids. Phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids have many health benefits. Some of them include reducing your risk for heart disease. They also help prevent cancer and other diseases.
Fiber
Sukkari dates are high in fiber. This makes them good for the digestive system. It also helps with bowel regularity. Fiber can also help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chronic inflammation has been linked to many diseases. These include cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Sukarri dates have anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, they can help decrease chronic inflammation.
Brain Health
One study showed that Sukkari dates may have a relaxing effect on the brain. This could help with good sleep. They also had an analgesic effect, which could support its use for headaches.
Shopping For and Storing Sukkari Dates
How to Shop for Sukkari Dates:
We recommend choosing plump golden Sukkari dates over dates that are shriveled. Dates may be wrinkled, but they shouldn’t be hard. Sukkari dates do have a sweeter taste. Because of this, avoid dates with white spots of crystallized sugar. This may indicate that they are older and less fresh.
How to Store Sukkari Dates:
Dates have one of the lowest moisture contents of any fruit, so they last longer. Dry dates will keep in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 10 to 12 months. When they start to form crystallized sugar on their skin, they are losing their freshness. Rest assured that they are still edible.
How to Cook with Sukkari Dates
Sukkari dates are delicious enough to be eaten on their own. Because of their sweetness, Sukkari dates can be eaten as a quick snack. They will help curb your sugar cravings.
Because they are sweeter than other varieties, Sukkari dates are the perfect choice for sweet recipes. They are an excellent replacement for processed sugar or honey. You can blend them into smoothies or add them to your oatmeal. You can even mix them with your yogurt as a natural nutritious sweetener. Sukkari dates could be baked into your favorite quick bread or cookies.
There are so many ways to love Sukkari dates and create a healthy habit in your daily life. Try a handful of Sukkari dates with coffee for breakfast! You can also eat them as a snack in the afternoon or bedtime. Maybe you can incorporate them into your meals. Give your body a boost with their energy, fiber, and antioxidants!
Summary
Sukkari dates are one of the most popular varieties of dates. They are golden in color and firm in texture. They are considered premium because they are sweeter than other date varieties. They are excellent sources of antioxidants, energy, and fiber. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that help fight against chronic diseases. Because they are sweeter, they are delicious and healthy snacks. You can also add them in many dishes.
Scientific Information
- Phenolics and flavonoids – Antioxidants from a group called polyphenols which can benefit health, especially in preventing chronic diseases
- Carotenoids – Antioxidants that can reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers
- Chronic inflammation – Slow, long-term inflammation that can last months to years and can lead to diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, allergies, and some lung diseases
