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datesoracle.com/varieties/deglet-noor/October 18, 2026

Variety

Deglet Noor

By Hassen MoumenUpdated October 9, 2026

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Deglet Noor is an elongated date variety ranging from amber to light
brown, with a semi-dry to firm texture in most commercial forms. It has
long been associated with the oases of Algeria and Tunisia and was
introduced to California in 1900. Its structure holds up well when
chopped or cooked.

Historical Roots

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources records that Deglet Noor
offshoots were brought to California in 1900 by W. T. Swingle. The
variety was already highly regarded in North African oases and became
one of the foundations of California’s commercial date industry. This
history reflects the movement of date-palm planting material across
regions and the role of growers and agricultural researchers in
establishing crops in new environments.

Table: Deglet Noor Nutrition (per 100 g)

Nutrient Amount Source
Energy 282 kcal USDA FoodData Central, FDC 171726
Protein 2.45 g USDA FoodData Central, FDC 171726
Total fat 0.39 g USDA FoodData Central, FDC 171726
Carbohydrate 75.03 g USDA FoodData Central, FDC 171726
Water 20.53 g USDA FoodData Central, FDC 171726

Ripening Stages and Their Importance

FAO describes the main commercial stages of date development as
Khalal, Rutab, and Tamar. At the Tamar stage, the fruit is more fully
mature and has lost more moisture. Dates sold at different stages can
differ considerably in texture and keeping quality, so stage and storage
information can be as important as the cultivar name. Moisture is
central to post-harvest quality: excess moisture can encourage
deterioration, while over-drying can produce an unpleasantly hard
fruit.

Deglet Noor in the Kitchen

Deglet Noor can be chopped into couscous, folded into muffins, added
to salads, cooked into sauces, or included in savory dishes. Its
relatively firm flesh can be useful when a recipe calls for identifiable
pieces of fruit. For baking, consider whether the recipe needs chopped
fruit or a smooth paste. If the recipe depends on a sticky binder, the
date may need to be softened and processed.

Whole Deglet Noor dates showing their elongated shape and amber color.
Whole Deglet Noor dates showing their elongated shape and amber color.
Deglet Noor dates illustrating the Khalal, Rutab, and Tamar stages.
Deglet Noor dates illustrating the Khalal, Rutab, and Tamar stages.
Chopped Deglet Noor dates served in a couscous or salad dish.
Chopped Deglet Noor dates served in a couscous or salad dish.
Deglet Noor package showing origin and storage information.
Deglet Noor package showing origin and storage information.

FAQ

Is Deglet Noor a dry or soft date? It is generally
described as semi-dry to firm. Its final texture depends on maturity,
moisture, and processing. A product sold as semi-dry should not be
expected to have the same softness as a moist, fresh-stage date.

What is the difference between pitted and unpitted Deglet
Noor? Codex recognizes different presentation formats,
including pitted and unpitted dates. A pitted product includes an
additional processing step and offers convenience that a whole, unpitted
product does not.

How do I check Deglet Noor quality? Check the net
weight, country of origin, pitted status, and any added ingredients.
Avoid judging the entire product from one polished photograph. If you
see mold or notice a clearly abnormal fermented smell, do not taste the
fruit.

Sources

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