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datesoracle.com/varieties/barhi/October 18, 2026

Variety

Barhi

By Hassen MoumenUpdated October 9, 2026

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Barhi is distinctive because it is widely known as a fresh date at
the Khalal stage. At that point the fruit is typically firm, yellow to
amber, and eaten before it has softened and dried fully. FAO’s technical
description notes its pleasant flavor and low astringency at this
stage.

The Variety Whose Timing Matters

Barhi — also written Barhee, Berhi, or Birhi — is distinctive because
it is widely known as a fresh date at the Khalal stage. At that point
the fruit is typically firm, yellow to amber, and eaten before it has
softened and dried fully. FAO’s technical description notes its pleasant
flavor and low astringency at this stage.

For consumers, this changes the most important buying question.
Instead of asking only “Which variety is this?”, ask “At what stage was
it harvested, and how is it being sold?” A Barhi bunch intended to be
eaten fresh is a different product experience from a date that has
matured to the Tamar stage.

Fresh yellow-to-amber Barhi dates at the Khalal stage.
Fresh yellow-to-amber Barhi dates at the Khalal stage.

Origin and Cultivar Identity

FAO traces Barhi to Iraq and records its introduction to the United
States in the early twentieth century. The variety has since been grown
in several date-producing regions. Its name appears in different
spellings, so a shopper may see Barhi or Barhee in product
descriptions.

Barhi dates illustrating changes through Khalal, Rutab, and Tamar.
Barhi dates illustrating changes through Khalal, Rutab, and Tamar.

Table: Main Stages of Date Development

Stage Description Approximate Duration
Kimri Immature, green, inedible 9–14 weeks
Khalal Fully sized, firm, color changes from
green to yellow or amber		 3–5 weeks
Rutab Begins to soften and darken, often more
delicate		 Variable
Tamar Fully mature, has lost more moisture,
suitable for longer storage		 Final stage

Source: FAO, Date Palm Cultivation, Chapter I: Botanical
Description.

Why Fresh Barhi Needs Careful Handling

Higher-moisture fruit is more vulnerable to deterioration than fully
mature, dried dates. FAO’s post-harvest guidance explains that date
maturity and moisture influence handling and storage requirements. Barhi
at Khalal stage is valued as fresh fruit, but its seasonal character
means transport, temperature, and time between harvest and consumption
matter.

How to Serve and Enjoy Barhi

Fresh Khalal Barhi can be eaten as it is, often after gentle washing
and drying. Its firm texture makes it suitable for serving chilled,
depending on the seller’s instructions and local custom. As the fruit
advances toward Rutab, it becomes softer and can be used in ways more
familiar to consumers of ripe dates.

Fresh Barhi dates presented chilled on a serving plate.
Fresh Barhi dates presented chilled on a serving plate.
Barhi package showing storage and shipping instructions.
Barhi package showing storage and shipping instructions.

FAQ

How do I know if the Barhi I’m buying is fresh or
dried? A reliable listing should say whether the product is
fresh Khalal Barhi or a later-stage fruit, describe the expected
texture, and provide clear storage instructions. Check shipping
conditions and delivery timing, especially for a perishable seasonal
product.

Can I use dried Barhi in recipes that call for soft
dates? Because Barhi’s texture changes during ripening, recipes
should specify the stage they require. A recipe written for a soft,
fully ripe date may not work the same way with firm Khalal fruit.

What causes surface checking or splitting in Barhi?
The fruit can develop surface checking or splitting under certain
growing and weather conditions. These issues are relevant to growers and
packers because they affect appearance and marketability. For a buyer, a
few natural surface marks are not enough to diagnose quality.

Sources

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