Everything you need to know about where Palestinian Medjoul dates come from, how to eat and store them, how to buy it ethically in the UK and why it matters.
What are Medjoul dates? Where do Zaytoun’s Medjoul dates come from? Have Zaytoun’s dates won any awards? What sizes are available? Why are Medjoul dates good for you? What are the ingredients? How should I store Medjoul dates? Why are there white specks or a white coating on my dates? Why does Zaytoun advise splitting a date open before eating? How can I eat or cook with Medjoul dates? I found a faulty date in my box – what should I do? Are these genuinely Palestinian dates – how can I be sure? Is buying Zaytoun dates ethical? What impact does my purchase have? Where can I buy Zaytoun Medjoul dates? I have a problem with my online order. Who do I contact?
About the Dates
What are Medjoul dates, and why are they called the ‘King of Dates’?
Medjoul (also spelled Medjool) dates are a premium variety prized for their exceptionally large size and intensely sweet, caramel-like flavour. They have a plump, fudgy texture that sets them apart from smaller, drier date varieties. The ‘King of Dates’ title reflects their superior size, depth of flavour, and long-standing status as a delicacy — equally delicious eaten fresh as a snack or used to add richness to sweet and savoury dishes.
Where do Zaytoun’s Medjoul dates come from?
Zaytoun Medjoul dates are grown by Palestinian farmers in the Jordan Valley — one of the most fertile date-growing regions in the world. They are harvested, sorted, packed, and have their packaging printed entirely in Palestine. Zaytoun sources through Palestinian companies Nakheel and Palestine Gardens, who work directly with local farmers.
Have Zaytoun’s dates won any awards?
Yes — in 2018, Zaytoun’s Medjoul dates were awarded a prestigious Great Taste Award. The judges described them as “fleshy and succulent with a wonderful caramelised flavour.”
What sizes are available?
Zaytoun Medjoul dates are available in three sizes: 250g (ideal for snacking and trying for the first time), 500g (a popular choice for regular enjoyment), and 5kg (great for wholesale, gifting, or avid date lovers).
Nutrition & Health
Why are Medjoul dates good for you?
Medjoul dates are a naturally nutritious food. They are a great source of dietary fibre and rich in 16 vitamins and minerals, including iron and potassium. Their naturally-occurring sugars are easily broken down by the body, making them an ideal energy-boosting snack without the crash associated with refined sugar. All Zaytoun products are also suitable for vegans.
What are the ingredients — are there any additives?
The ingredient list is simple: Medjoul dates (contain fruit stones). No preservatives, no additives, no artificial anything. These are a 100% natural, unprocessed fruit exactly as they come from the tree.
Storing Your Dates
How should I store Medjoul dates?
Zaytoun recommends storing dates chilled. Once opened, transfer to an airtight container and eat within one month. Unopened, they keep for up to six months in the fridge or one year in the freezer. Note that Zaytoun’s Essential Medjoul dates have a relatively short shelf-life by design, to ensure the fruit is enjoyed at peak quality.
Why are there white specks or a white coating on my dates?
This is completely natural. White specks or surface coating are sugar crystals that form when dates are stored at room temperature or left open to the air. They don’t affect the flavour at all — simply rinse under warm water to dissolve them before eating if you prefer. Storing in an airtight container in the fridge will prevent them forming in the first place.
Eating & Cooking
Why does Zaytoun advise splitting a date open before eating?
Zaytoun dates are a 100% natural, unprocessed fruit and still contain their stone, so always split open and remove it before eating. As with any fresh fruit, it’s also worth checking the inside — on a rare occasion you might find a small insect or fine black mould inside a single date. This is a natural occurrence that doesn’t affect the rest of the fruit in the box. Simply discard that date and enjoy the others.
How can I eat or cook with Medjoul dates? Medjoul dates are wonderfully versatile. Eat them on their own as a healthy snack — perfect alongside a cup of coffee. Try stuffing them with a Palestinian almond, a chunk of dark chocolate, or a spoonful of nut butter. They pair beautifully with a cheeseboard, work brilliantly in baking (cakes, energy balls, raw bars), add depth to tagines and savoury stews, and make a luxurious addition to desserts. More recipes here.
Quality & Issues
I found a faulty date in my box. What should I do?
Don’t throw the box away. A defect in one or two dates doesn’t affect the rest — remove the faulty date and enjoy the others. Zaytoun would appreciate you letting them know so they can monitor quality. When you get in touch, please include photos, the batch code number (printed on the box), where you purchased the dates, and when you bought them. Contact: contact@zaytoun.uk
Ethics & Sourcing
Are these genuinely Palestinian dates? How can I be sure?
Yes. Zaytoun was founded in 2004 with the sole purpose of supporting Palestinian producers through fair trade. They know their suppliers personally, have visited frequently, and have worked with all of them for ten years or more. Every import is accompanied by official documentation including the Certificate of Movement of Goods (EUR1) and the Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture, providing full traceability from farm to shelf.
Is buying Zaytoun dates ethical? What impact does my purchase have?
Buying Zaytoun dates directly supports Palestinian farming families in the Jordan Valley, seasonal workers, and the women who work on the quality check and production lines.
Zaytoun is a Community Interest Company and registered co-operative with no private owners or shareholders — 100% of profits go back into furthering their mission. All products are traded on fair terms and shipping is de-carbonised. The local economy is collapsing, and according to World Vision, over 74% of Palestinian households are living below the minimum standard of living, so access to export markets is more vital than ever to sustaining livelihoods, food security, and land retention.
Buying
Where can I buy Zaytoun Medjoul dates?
Online through Zaytoun’s retail partner Ethical Superstore (ethicalsuperstore.com), which stocks the full Zaytoun range. You can also use the stockist finder on zaytoun.uk to locate shops near you. For wholesale enquiries — retailers, hospitality, and community distributors — visit the trade enquiries page at zaytoun.uk. Distribution is primarily within the UK and Ireland.
I have a problem with my online order. Who do I contact? For delivery and returns, use the support contact details in your order confirmation from Ethical Superstore, as they handle fulfilment. For product quality issues, contact Zaytoun directly at contact@zaytoun.uk.