Date is one of the oldest and most valuable agricultural products of the world’s tropical regions and has held a special place in the food culture and traditions of the Iranian people for thousands of years. This sweet and nutritious fruit, which comes from the warm and southern palm groves of Iran, is not only a popular snack but also a rich source of energy, minerals, and dietary fiber. More than 3,000 varieties of dates are known worldwide, but Iran has always been one of the main producers of premium dates, and a major portion of the world’s high-quality dates is supplied from our country’s palm groves.

The Carnila date brand, relying on this valuable heritage, selects, processes, and packages 9 types of premium and popular Iranian dates from the best palm groves and delivers them to domestic and international customers. In this article, we first explain what dates are and what characteristics they have, then we introduce all types of Carnila dates in detail.

What Are Dates?

Date is the fruit of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), a hardy tree that offers its best yield in tropical conditions, semi-saline soil, and dry climates. The growth of dates from blossom to final fruit takes about 7 to 8 months, and the ripe fruit is harvested in three stages: fresh (rutab), semi-dry, and dry. This difference in the harvesting stage creates diverse types of dates in terms of texture, moisture, taste, and use.

In general, dates are divided into three categories based on moisture level:

• Soft dates: such as Mazafati
• Semi-dry dates: such as Piarom and Rabbi
• Dry dates: such as Zahedi

Each of these groups is used for different purposes; some are ideal for fresh consumption, some are better for confectionery, and some have longer shelf life.

Dates are rich in B-group vitamins, magnesium, potassium, iron, fiber, and antioxidants. Their natural sugars include glucose and fructose, which are absorbed quickly and healthily by the body, providing useful energy. For this reason, dates are considered one of the best natural and healthy snacks in the world.

Why Are Iranian Dates Popular?

Iranian dates rank among the world’s best in terms of flavor diversity, size, moisture, and quality. The ancient palm groves of southern Iran—in provinces such as Kerman, Hormozgan, Bushehr, Fars, and Khuzestan—provide the ideal environment for producing premium dates.

This is why the Carnila brand also focuses on selecting authentic and well-known Iranian dates—dates that are top-tier in size, taste, nutritional value, and global standards.

Introducing the 9 Types of Carnila Dates

In this section, you will get acquainted with all the dates offered by the Carnila brand. These 9 types form the brand’s complete and professional product basket.

1. Carnila Mazafati Dates – The Most Popular Iranian Date

Mazafati dates, mostly known as Bam dates, are among the softest, sweetest, and juiciest Iranian dates. Their color ranges from dark brown to black, and their texture is tender and moist. These dates are the best option for fresh consumption and daily use.

Carnila’s Mazafati dates are harvested from premium palm groves in Kerman, packaged hygienically, and are globally popular due to their excellent taste.

2. Carnila Piarom Dates – The World’s Most Luxurious Date

Piarom dates are known as “natural chocolate.” These semi-dry, elongated dates with thin skin have a mildly sweet flavor and a luxurious texture, making them one of the most expensive dates in the world. Carnila’s Piarom dates are sourced from the palm groves of Hajiabad, Hormozgan, and are ideal for export due to their exceptional quality.

3. Carnila Zahedi Dates – Dry and Very Long-Lasting

Zahedi dates are one of the driest and least sweet Iranian dates. Their color is yellowish-brown, and their texture is firmer than other types. This date is an excellent option for those looking for lower sweetness. Carnila Zahedi dates have a very long shelf life and are suitable for export.

4. Carnila Honey Dates – Naturally Sweet With a Unique Flavor

Honey dates are another type of soft and sweet Iranian date, and as the name suggests, they have a flavor reminiscent of honey. They have a soft texture and a special taste, making them highly popular among fans of soft dates. Carnila Honey dates come with an attractive appearance and consistent, guaranteed quality.

5. Carnila Kabkab Dates – The Best Soft Date for Serving and Hosting

Kabkab is one of the best-selling semi-moist dates in Iran due to its fleshy texture and balanced sweetness. Its color is reddish-brown, and it becomes completely soft when ripe. Carnila Kabkab dates are excellent for household use, confectionery, and serving guests.

6. Carnila Shahani Dates – A Delicious and Elongated Fresh Date

Shahani dates come from the palm groves of southern Fars and are among the most delicious fresh dates in Iran. These dates have mild sweetness and a semi-soft texture, and they are mostly consumed fresh. Carnila Shahani dates are especially popular in the domestic market because of their gentle flavor and elongated shape.

7. Carnila Kaluteh Dates – A Serious Rival to Mazafati

Kaluteh dates are similar in appearance to Mazafati but have less moisture, which gives them a longer shelf life. Their color is dark brown and their texture is soft and pleasant. Carnila Kaluteh dates are ideal for those who enjoy soft dates but prefer greater durability.

8. Carnila Rabbi Dates – Semi-Dry, Premium, and Export-Grade

Rabbi dates are one of the premium products of Sistan and Baluchestan province. They are elongated, dark, semi-dry, and have a pleasant sweet taste. Rabbi dates are excellent for export due to their thin skin and long shelf life. Carnila’s Rabbi dates are harvested from the best palm groves in the region.

9. Carnila Khasouei Dates – Small but Very Sweet

Khasouei dates are one of the most unique and attractive Iranian dates. Their small size, thin skin, and high sweetness have made them very popular. These dates are ideal for processing, daily consumption, and healthy snacks. Carnila Khasouei dates are packaged with a neat appearance and uniform size.

Carnila Dates: A Complete Basket of the Best Iranian Dates

The presence of these 9 diverse types has enabled Carnila to offer a complete and professional selection of Iranian dates—from the softest varieties like Mazafati, Honey, and Kaluteh to the most luxurious like Piarom and the most exportable like Rabbi. Dry varieties like Zahedi are also excellent choices for those who prefer lower sweetness.

This variety makes it easy for any taste preference, dietary need, or domestic/industrial use to match perfectly with one of Carnila’s products.