Ministry of Environment tips for buying Ramadan dates safely and of high quality
The Eastern Province branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, represented by the Agriculture Department, launched a proactive awareness and monitoring campaign aimed at ensuring the safety and quality of dates for Ramadan , coinciding with the approach of the holy month. This step comes as part of the Ministry's commitment to protecting consumers and providing safe and healthy food products, amid assurances of market readiness and ample supply at competitive prices.
The status of dates in Saudi culture and the national economy
Dates are a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's cultural and culinary identity, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, where they grace the Iftar table. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is giving significant attention to the date palm and date sector. Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest date producers, boasting millions of palm trees that yield some of the finest varieties. This focus extends beyond cultivation to encompass supply and marketing chains, ensuring that Saudi products reach local and international markets with the highest quality standards.
Abundant production and stable prices
In a statement, the Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture's Eastern Province branch, Engineer Fahd Al-Hamzi, affirmed that the abundant local production this year has directly contributed to stabilizing prices in central markets and various retail outlets. Al-Hamzi pointed out that Saudi dates are among the world's finest in quality, thanks to the application of rigorous standards that begin with sound agricultural practices in the fields, continue through harvesting and sorting, and culminate in packaging and storage, thus ensuring that a safe and contaminant-free product reaches the end consumer.
More than 300 items adorn Ramadan tables
For his part, the Director of the Agriculture Department, Engineer Waleed Al-Shuwaired, revealed the great diversity of dates available in the Kingdom's markets, which boast more than 300 varieties. At the forefront of this list are premium varieties that enjoy widespread popularity, such as Al-Sukkari, Al-Khalas, Al-Saqai, and Al-Ajwa. This diversity provides those observing Ramadan and consumers with multiple options to suit various tastes and needs, whether for direct consumption or for use in processing industries and Ramadan sweets.
Nutritional and health value of dates during Ramadan
From a medical and nutritional perspective, dates gain added importance during Ramadan. It is recommended to begin breaking the fast with them because they are a rich source of simple natural sugars like glucose and fructose, which the body quickly absorbs to replenish the energy lost during the long hours of fasting. Dates also contain essential fiber and minerals that help improve digestion and regulate blood sugar levels when consumed in moderation.
Important tips when buying and storing dates
The Ministry, represented by Engineer Al-Shuwaired, issued a set of important tips for consumers to ensure they purchase high-quality dates:
- Visual inspection: Ensure that the dates are free from cracks, holes, or the presence of any insects, and also ensure that there are no foreign impurities.
- Smell and color: Avoid dates that emit unfamiliar or unpleasant odors, or those that have changed color abnormally.
- Proper storage: Dates must be kept in dry and cool environments (refrigerated or frozen depending on the type) to preserve their nutritional properties and prevent spoilage.
The ministry concluded its directives by warning against excessive consumption, stressing that moderation is the key to achieving maximum health benefits without experiencing health complications, and affirming the continuation of its monitoring tours to enhance the quality of national products and protect public health.
