Dayri Dates
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Dayri dates are large, oblong shaped fruits with thick soft flesh surrounding a single seed. Dayri dates are dark brown to black in color and very tender, lacking the fibrous texture that some other varieties tend to have. Though not as sugary as the Medjool, but sometimes referred to as even more “date-y” in flavor, the Dayri’s modest sweetness is balanced by a somewhat earthy finish.
Seasons/Availability
Dayri dates are available in the late fall.
Current Facts
The Dayri date, also spelled Dairi, comes from the date palm tree that is botanically classified as Phoenix dactylifera. Date palms are actually a gigantic species of grass and their drupes are a cross between a grain and a fruit. The Dayri is a late ripening variety that is usually harvested towards the end of the fall date season.
Nutritional Value
Dayri dates are an excellent source of dietary fiber as well as potassium, protein, iron, folic acid and B-vitamins.
Applications
The rich but not overly cloying sweet flavor of the Dayri date lends it to both sweet and savory applications. Its large size makes it perfect for a stuffing date that is beautifully complimented by salty bacon and rich creamy goat cheese. Being a very soft date gives them a major advantage for an easy puree in a blender to make a healthy sweetener. Add the paste to sweeten baked goods, ice cream base, smoothies and oatmeal, or even spread directly onto a piece of crusty bread and sprinkle with coarse salt. Complimentary flavors include nuts, chocolate, coffee, cream, maple syrup, cinnamon, coconut, orange, bananas, apricots, brandy, rum, cheese and bacon, pork and poultry.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The Dayri date has been referred to the “Monastery date”, perhaps because of its true black color, the same color as the cloaks worn by monks.
Geography/History
First brought to California in 1913 by Paul Popenoe, The Dayri date palm was originally from Basra, Iraq. It is speculated that his particular variety gets its name from Dayr, a region once part of the Ottoman Empire and now present day Southern Iraq. Dayr is famously known as a cultural center that is rich in ancient religious history. Traditionally, dates such as the Dayri variety, were the first food Muhammad ate when he broke from his fast during Ramadan. Today they still remain a central part of the Islamic holiday.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Dayri Dates. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Food Loves Writing |
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Raw Brownies + Chocolate Avocado Frosting |
| All Creatures |
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Plantain Date Cream A Whole Fruit Non-Dairy "Ice Cream" |
| Pinch of Yum |
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Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese |
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