Bahrain’s ‘Khalas’ Dates Make a Sweet Comeback
Bahraini markets are once again buzzing with the arrival of Khalas dates — one of the most sought-after varieties of the season. Shoppers have been flocking to date stalls in search of the fresh, flavorful bite that defines this beloved local fruit.
Khalas dates have quickly become the top pick for consumers this July, selling at prices ranging from BD2 to BD2.5 per kilogram, depending on quality. The Khoneizi variety follows closely behind in popularity. Other varieties like Ghura are also available for as low as BD1 per kilogram, while Khawaja dates have just started appearing in stalls.
Peak Season from July to September
Vendor Mohsen Abu Waleed explained that the peak of the date season runs from around July 10 to August 10. This is when varieties like Khalas dominate the market before making way for other types such as Barhemi, Marzban, and Barhi, with the season concluding in late September when the dates fully ripen.
While consumer habits have evolved and alternative snacks are widely available, Bahraini dates still hold a special place in the hearts—and homes—of many families, says Abu Waleed.
Behind the Quality: Palm Care is Key
Palm farmer Fakher Jumaa highlighted that Khalas is known for its consistent quality across all ripening stages—from the unripe yellow busr to the fully dried tamr. “It tastes great at every stage, even before it softens,” he said, noting that customers look forward to the seasonal arrival each year.
Jumaa also stressed that proper irrigation is essential for date palm trees, as they require more water than most other trees. He advised that fertilizing should ideally take place in early autumn, while winter is best for pruning and pest control since insect activity is minimal during the cooler months.
A Gulf Benchmark for Quality
Vendor Isa Abdullah added that Khalas dates are currently in high demand thanks to their early ripening and high quality, calling this period the variety’s peak production time.
Bahrain, he noted, is home to over 150 varieties of dates, including Khoneizi, Ghura, Mubashara, Tabshira, and Tayyar. While the Khalas date is a Gulf-wide benchmark for quality, Isa mentioned that the current batch of Khalas dates is slightly smaller in size, likely due to water shortages or early harvesting. However, he expects larger sizes in the upcoming harvest waves.
Despite changing times, the taste of Bahraini rutab continues to bring a seasonal joy that never fades.
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