Medjool is among the most valuable date varieties on both local and international markets, known for its large size, fleshy texture and pronounced caramel flavour.
At QUTTOUF we grow Medjool and study it season after season: we measure the yield of the palm, track how irrigation and nutrition affect fruit size, colour and ripening, and analyse the share of marketable production. This page is drawn from what we see in the field, not borrowed from elsewhere.
Medjool size grades
Grading is based on the average weight of a single fruit. Size is one factor in price, not the whole of it: a large fruit with a cracked skin or dull colour is worth less than a smaller, sound one.
| Grade | Fruit weight | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Jumbo | 23 g and above | Highest price — gifting and premium packing |
| Large | 18 – 23 g | The most sought-after in retail |
| Medium | 13 – 18 g | Everyday consumption and processing |
| Small | Under 13 g | Mostly processing and paste |
What sets Medjool apart?
Medjool is a semi-dry date, picked at the rutab stage and then partially dried. It keeps a soft texture without being as moist as Barhi, and without the dryness of a fully dry date such as Sukkari.
It is distinguished by a size exceeding most varieties, a thin skin that clings to the flesh, and a relatively small stone for the size of the fruit — meaning a higher proportion of edible flesh.
- Texture: fleshy and soft, with fine rather than coarse fibre.
- Flavour: deep caramel sweetness with a honeyed note.
- Colour: glossy dark brown when properly ripened.
- Stone: relatively small, so the flesh ratio is higher.
- Skin: thin — excessive cracking is a defect that lowers value.
Quality factors in Medjool dates
Quality is not size alone. From our season-by-season monitoring, market value is set by a group of factors working together:
- Uniformity of size within a single pack — variation lowers the grade.
- Skin integrity: little cracking, and no separation from the flesh.
- Even, glossy colour, free of dull patches.
- Balanced moisture: too dry loses the texture, too moist shortens shelf life.
- Freedom from insects and any sign of infestation.
- Freedom from pesticide residues, per laboratory analysis.
How should Medjool dates be stored?
Medjool is a soft date, and poor storage strips its texture quickly — undoing an entire season’s investment in quality.
- Refrigerated at 0 – 4 °C: holds quality for roughly 12 months.
- Frozen at −18 °C: extends shelf life to about two years with little loss of flavour.
- Room temperature: a few weeks, after which sugaring and surface drying begin.
- Sealed packaging away from odours — dates absorb surrounding smells.
- Away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
Medjool compared with other varieties
Each variety has its place; the choice follows the intended use and target market, not the name alone.
- Medjool: the largest and usually the highest priced — a table and gifting date.
- Barhi: smaller and moister, sometimes eaten at the khalal stage.
- Sukkari and Sagai: drier, with a longer shelf life at room temperature.
- Zaghloul and Samani: Egyptian varieties consumed mostly fresh and locally.
Growing Medjool in Egypt
Field experience tells us that Medjool succeeds or fails before planting: in the choice of land and water source and their analysis, and then in selecting offshoots from a trusted source.
Then comes season management: irrigation and fertilisation matched to the growth stage, pollination at the right moment, bunch thinning and strand training, and controlling crop load so the fruit does not lose its size.
We do not chase the maximum yield per palm but the best return: a heavier load may raise quantity while lowering both size and value. The balance between productivity, quality and the share of marketable produce is what decides the profit.
Frequently asked questions about Medjool dates
What is the difference between Jumbo and Large Medjool?
The difference is average fruit weight: Jumbo is 23 g and above, Large falls between 18 and 23 g. Jumbo commands a higher price and is generally used for gifting and premium packing, while Large is the most sought-after grade in retail.
How long do Medjool dates last?
Refrigerated at 0 to 4 °C they hold their quality for around 12 months, and frozen at −18 °C for roughly two years. At room temperature they keep for a few weeks before sugaring and surface drying begin.
Why does white sugar appear on the surface of dates?
That is natural sugar crystallisation, occurring over time or with temperature fluctuation. It is not mould and not spoilage. Steady refrigerated storage reduces it.
Are Medjool dates free of pesticide residues?
We follow safe agricultural practice and the prescribed pre-harvest intervals, and verify this through laboratory analysis. Whether a given consignment is residue-free is determined by an accredited test result for that season, not by a blanket claim.
What is the flesh-to-stone ratio in Medjool?
The Medjool stone is relatively small for the size of the fruit, so the proportion of edible flesh is higher than in many other varieties — one of the reasons for its value.
From QUTTOUF
We grow Medjool, manage its farms and measure its yield season after season. For enquiries about supply or about taking part in our agricultural projects:
