Abu Dhabi:
Dates undergo four stages of ripening. Fresh dates are sold in their second or third stage of development, Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre (ADFSC), said.
Four stages
1. KHALAL
With a firm green skin, these young dates are often quite bitter due to their high tannin content.
2. BESSAR
The firm skin changes to bright yellow or red depending on the variety. Despite higher sugar content the strong tannins can be overpowering.
3. ROTAB
At this stage fresh dates are at their best. The hard skin begins to soften at the tip and turn brown, moving up the fruit as they continue to ripen. As the fruit softens, the tannins break down and the dates become juicier and sweeter. Many people prefer the half-soft, half-firm stage as it gives a combination of sweet juiciness with a slightly crunchy texture.
4. TAMAR
Fully ripe and dried dates that are very sweet and juicy.