How-to guide
How to Choose and Buy Dates in Morocco
Dates are a staple across Morocco, eaten daily and central to hospitality — offered to guests alongside milk or tea as a traditional welcome — and the country, particularly the oases of the Drâa and Tafilalt valleys, produces some genuinely excellent varieties. Choosing well in a market means knowing what to look for beyond simple size and understanding the price range for different qualities.
About 20 minutes
Step by step
- 1
Learn the main varieties by name
Majhoul (also spelled Medjool) are the large, soft, caramel-like premium dates; smaller, firmer varieties are more everyday eating dates, often cheaper and just as good for cooking or snacking. Ask the vendor which variety you're looking at.
- 2
Check for a glossy, unwrinkled skin
Fresh, good-quality dates have a glossy sheen and are plump rather than heavily wrinkled and dry-looking, which suggests older stock. Some wrinkling is completely normal, particularly on drier eating varieties, but avoid ones that look shrivelled and dusty.
- 3
Ask to taste, especially for large purchases
Vendors selling from open crates or baskets generally allow tasting before buying, especially for a larger purchase. This lets you judge sweetness, texture and whether the batch is fresh.
- 4
Look at how they're displayed
Dates sold loose from open crates with visible turnover, rather than sitting for a long time in the sun, are generally fresher. Shaded stalls with a steady stream of local customers are a good sign.
- 5
Ask about origin
Dates from the Tafilalt and Drâa valley oases are considered among Morocco's best; a vendor who can name the region is often selling a more genuine, traceable product than one with no clear sourcing story.
- 6
Buy by weight and consider a mix
Dates are sold by the kilo or fraction thereof, and asking for a smaller amount of a premium variety alongside a larger amount of an everyday variety is a good way to get both value and a special treat.
- 7
Check for signs of pests
Look closely at a sample from the batch for any small holes or insect activity, particularly in more humid conditions — this is uncommon at reputable stalls with good turnover but worth a quick visual check.
- 8
Store them properly once bought
Fresh, moist dates like Majhoul keep well in the fridge for weeks, and can be frozen for much longer storage, while drier varieties keep well at room temperature in a sealed container.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming all dates are the same variety and quality, missing the meaningful difference between premium Majhoul and everyday eating dates.
- Not tasting before a larger purchase, especially when buying an unfamiliar variety.
- Choosing dried-looking, heavily wrinkled stock over plumper, glossier ones without comparing options.
- Overpaying for dates presented as premium without asking the variety name or origin.
- Storing moist premium dates at room temperature for too long, shortening their freshness considerably.
Tips from the kitchen
- Majhoul dates are the premium, large, caramel-soft variety and make an excellent, well-travelling gift.
- The Drâa and Tafilalt valley oases are Morocco's most respected date-growing regions — ask for dates from there specifically.
- Dates stuffed with almond paste or other fillings are a traditional treat worth seeking out at specialist stalls.
- Refrigerating or freezing moist premium dates extends their life considerably beyond room-temperature storage.
- A date festival takes place annually in some producing regions, worth timing a visit around if you're travelling further afield from Marrakech.
Questions
What is the best type of date to buy in Morocco?
Majhoul (Medjool) dates are the prized premium variety, large and caramel-soft. Smaller, firmer everyday varieties are cheaper and excellent too, particularly for cooking or daily snacking rather than gifting.
Where do the best Moroccan dates come from?
The Drâa and Tafilalt valley oases in the south are considered Morocco's most respected date-growing regions. Asking a vendor for dates specifically from these areas is a good way to find higher-quality stock.
Can I taste dates before buying at a Moroccan market?
Yes, most vendors selling from open crates or baskets are happy to let you taste before a purchase, especially for larger quantities. This helps you judge sweetness and freshness directly.
How should I store dates I buy in Morocco?
Moist premium varieties like Majhoul keep best refrigerated for several weeks, or frozen for much longer. Drier everyday varieties store well at room temperature in a sealed, airtight container.
Learn it hands-on in Marrakech
Reading is one thing; doing it beside a local host is another. Book a Marrakech cooking class, or explore the medina on a guided food tour.