Rotab dates come from the edible seeds of the fruit of the same name. It is a variety of the Date palm, which has a dark purple skin and flesh. It was discovered in the southern region of Morocco, along the Mediterranean Sea, and is part of the Cyperus rotundus group of palms. It is the most popular date variety in the world and is used to produce all types of sweet products.
Rotab dates are produced in a number of different parts of the world. It is grown on the coastal areas of Morocco, in Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and in Australia. It can be found in the Middle East, and some parts of North Africa as well. The hardy varieties of Rotab dates are commonly found in the eastern and northern areas of Africa, and they can tolerate extreme cold and the dryness of the desert. It is a fairly common crop grown in a number of countries in Europe and Asia, including Russia, South Africa, India, China, Malaysia, and the Philippines. These varieties are also used for the preparation of snacks, spreads, juices, and a variety of other recipes.
Rotab dates available fresh are generally sold in unripe form, but they can also be purchased canned or even dried after they have been cleaned and prepared. The best way to store them is on the shelves and allow them to remain unopened in the refrigerator until needed. Some varieties are quite oily, and while there are some very low-sugar varieties that can be stored for long periods in the acidic condition of the dates themselves, others prefer to be kept dry. They can be used whole or cut into small pieces depending on personal preferences.
Rotab dates with a high moisture content have a somewhat bitter but pleasant flavor, which is not unlike the sweetness of high moisture content dates like those found in the Middle East. This bitter but pleasant flavor is caused by the presence of higher sugar content as compared to other varieties. It is because of this sweetness that these Rotab dates rank as one of the more popular sweeteners in the world.
They have a moderately sweet taste but tend toward being somewhat sticky as well. The texture can vary from a waxy to a waxy feel. This texture tends to occur most often in the Middle East, where these fruits are grown primarily as a food source. The rind of these varieties tends to be coated in sugar, making it easier to crack, hence, its name “Roti.” The texture is not as common in the United States.
There are several sub-varieties of Rotab as well, each with its own characteristic features. Most commonly available types are the semi-dry texture Rotab (sometimes spelled as Rayan or Rassoul) and the semi-sweet Rotab. The semi-dry texture has a very mild, nutty and fruity flavor. Some of the more common fruits this sub-variety is used with are dates, raisins, honey, molasses, dates, prunes, and even flavored chewing gums. Due to its high moisture content, this variety tends to be rather thick and is most commonly found in the Middle East.
In the category of semi-dry date varieties, the high moisture content helps to create this type’s distinct characteristic taste. Commonly found in the Middle East, this variety is harvested from trees in spring and summer. This allows for an extended maturation period that increases its shelf-life. The flavor is berry-like with slight hints of plum and spice. Due to its extended maturation period, these soft, rich gourds are highly sought after worldwide. Many people choose these semi-dry varieties when baking anything from cookies to dates.
The most popular and sought after variety is the Mazafati medium-sized, which is a cousin to the Mazafati dessert. Mazafati dates are considered highly desirable due to their rich, sweet taste, high moisture content, and versatile preparation options. It can be pitted, intact, halved, cut into wedges, or cut into chunks. These dates are also available in a number of different places, including online. They are generally low in calories and contain less-processed ingredients than most other types of dates.