Dates are exported from Pakistan in several forms, including dry dates, whole unpitted, pitted, diced, chopped, and paste forms. The dates cater to diverse preferences and culinary uses around the world.
Dates are one of the most important cash fruit crops of Pakistan. Dates are cultivated over an area of 225 thousand acres in Pakistan with an annual production exceeding 600 thousand tons. Most of the Dates produced in Pakistan are cultivated in Sindh and Balochistan provinces. Dates grown in Pakistan have a huge national and international market demand.
Dates are produced in conventional and organic types. Organic Dates can be grown easily in Pakistan on dedicated farms. To make the Pakistani organic dates acceptable for dates buyers in the international export market, a valid certification is obtained. The growers of organic dates follow the guidelines to comply with USDA and EU Organic standards. Organic Standards are the rules and regulations that define how an organic product must be made. These standards cover all aspects of food production, from animal welfare and wildlife conservation to food processing, to packaging.
Major Dates producing areas in the country are Khairpur, Turbat, Panjgur, Gwadar, and D.I. Khan. Some important export markets for Dates are Canada, USA, Germany, UK, Denmark, Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, UAE (Dubai), Japan, China, South Korea, North Korea etc.
Aseel Dates
Aseel dates are considered one of the finest and most popular Pakistani dates cultivated in Pakistan. In fact, they are renowned for their exceptional sweetness and delightful taste. Additionally, the natural vitamins in Aseel dates contribute to maintaining your fitness and overall health, making them stand out as the best among the various Pakistani date varieties.
Dates Processing
The processing of dates in our factory is a meticulous and careful procedure to ensure that the final product is clean, free from contamination, and of high quality. Here’s an overview of the key steps involved in this process:
- Raw Material Storage: Dates are stored in a shaded area, protected from dust, heat, and insects. This ensures that the flavor and nutritional value of the dates remain intact.
- Fumigation: To prevent insect infestations, dates are placed in airtight chambers and exposed to a noxious gas, typically methyl bromide (CH3Br), for 72 hours. This process can be conducted at atmospheric pressure or under vacuum conditions, with the latter being more efficient but costlier (not suitable for organic dates).
- Sorting: Fumigated dates are carefully sorted based on their condition and size, ensuring uniformity.
- Washing & Cleaning: Dates undergo a thorough cleaning process as they pass through rotary washing drums equipped with water showering nozzles.
- Drying: After cleaning, the dates are dried using either diesel or gas-fired drying systems.
- Grading: Dates are graded to achieve homogenous quality and size in accordance with national and international market specifications. This grading process is performed manually and is market-driven. Any rejected dates are typically sold for by-products manufacturing.
- Packing: The processed dates are packed using shrink-wrap machines in plastic bags. This additional layer of protection helps preserve moisture and maintain the quality of the dates before they are placed in boxes.
The meticulous attention to detail throughout the processing ensures that consumers receive dates that are not only delicious but also safe and of high nutritional value.
Dates Production & Uses
The major production of Aseel Dates takes place in District Khairpur of Sindh Province, Pakistan. We process Aseel Dates to produce the following main products in grades including A, B, C, Select, FAQ, GAQ, Industrial, and Premium:
- Aseel Pitted Dates
- Aseel Pitted Block Dates
- Aseel Organic Dates
- Aseel Dry Dates
- Aseel Chopped Dates
- Aseel Diced Dates
- Aseel Date Paste
- Aseel Date Powder
- Aseel Date Syrup
Owing to their important nutritional value, the food processing industry, bakeries, and households use Aseel Dates as one of the main ingredients to make energy bars, energy balls, energy bites, cakes, biscuits, cookies, fudge, sweet desserts, etc.
FAQs about Dates from Pakistan
Which are the best dates in Pakistan?
Aseel dates, grown in Pakistan, are celebrated as one of the best and most popular date varieties. Their popularity is built on exceptional sweetness and delightful flavor.
Which dates are grown in Pakistan?
Numerous date varieties are grown in Pakistan, with Aseel dates standing out as the primary and most prominent among them.
Which is the largest producer of dates in Pakistan?
The majority of dates produced in Pakistan come from the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan. Among these, the Khairpur district of Sindh province holds the distinction of being the largest producer of dates. These dates are in high demand both in domestic and international markets.