Ajwa is the date most people link with Madinah, and it is the one visitors most want to take home. Because it is popular, shops sell it in every size, box and grade. Some boxes are excellent. Others are mixed, dry or past their best.
This guide is for residents and guests who want to buy with confidence. It covers what to look at, what to read on the label and how the official grading idea works. For where to buy and other varieties, see our Madinah central dates market guide.
Quick answer
Short answer: Good Ajwa dates look even in colour and size, feel soft but not sticky or wet, and show no damage, mould or insects. Buy from a licensed shop, read the label for origin, packing and expiry dates, and taste one before buying a large box. The National Center for Palms and Dates publishes Guideline Standards for Dates as a reference for producers.
What official standards exist
The National Center for Palms and Dates (NCPD) publishes Guideline Standards for Dates. They cover dates for direct eating, including whole packed dates, natural or washed, dried or coated. NCPD also offers a Date Classification Tool.
What the standards look at
- Who they are for: producers and packers, as a shared reference for quality.
- What they cover: whole dates for direct eating, packed natural, washed, dried or coated.
- For shoppers: a graded, labelled box tells you more than a loose pile.
You don’t need to read the full standard. The same ideas help when you stand at a shop counter.
Look before you buy
Start with your eyes. Ajwa is a dark date with fine wrinkles on the skin.
What to look for
- Dates of a similar colour and size in the same box
- Skin that is whole, without tears, white patches or mould
- No holes, dust or signs of insects
- No pool of syrup at the bottom of the box
- A clean, sealed pack if you are buying boxed dates
A box with very different sizes and colours may be mixed or a lower grade. That isn’t always bad, but it should be priced and labelled as such.
Feel, smell and taste
If the shop lets you, hold one date. A good Ajwa feels soft and gives a little when pressed. It shouldn’t feel rock hard, wet or very sticky.
Smell matters too. Fresh dates smell sweet and clean. A sour or fermented smell is a reason to walk away.
Many date shops let you taste before you buy. Try one from the actual box, not from a sample tray.
Read the label
Food sold in Saudi Arabia is covered by the regulations of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). As a shopper, the simplest habit is to read whatever the box tells you before you pay. A clear label is a good sign.
Checking a box in a minute
1
Look for the variety name, so you know it says Ajwa.
2
See who packed it and where it came from, if the box says.
3
Look for a date on the box, and pick the freshest you can find.
4
Compare the weight or size, so you can compare boxes fairly.
5
Keep the receipt in case something is wrong when you open it at home.
If a box has no label at all, ask where the dates came from. A licensed shop can usually tell you.
Loose dates or boxed?
| Loose from the counter | Sealed, labelled box | |
|---|---|---|
| Can you taste first? | Usually yes | Sometimes |
| Label and dates | Ask the seller | Printed on the box |
| Good for | Eating this week | Gifts and travel |
| Check | Colour, feel, smell | Label, seal, expiry |
Avoiding a disappointing box
Mixed boxes are the most common complaint. A top layer of large, even dates can hide smaller ones underneath. If you are buying a big box, ask the seller to open it.
Prices vary a lot by grade, size and season, so we don’t quote any. Compare a few shops and remember that very cheap “Ajwa” deserves a closer look.
Tip
Buying for family abroad? Choose sealed, labelled boxes with a clear expiry date. They travel better and are easier at customs.
Storing Ajwa at home
Keep dates in a clean, airtight container away from heat and sunlight. Many families keep a weekly portion out and the rest in the fridge, so they stay soft for longer.
Settling in Madinah
Buying dates becomes second nature once you live here. Our guide to moving to Medina covers the other basics of daily life.
FAQ
How can I tell real Ajwa dates?
Look for dark, finely wrinkled dates of even size, buy from a licensed shop, and read the variety name on the label.
Is there an official grading for dates?
Yes. NCPD publishes Guideline Standards for Dates and offers a Date Classification Tool.
What should I check on the label?
Read it before you buy: look for the variety name, any dates and who packed it. If something is unclear, ask the seller.
Last checked: 24 October 2026.
