Amry Dates

The Amry date (also known as Amri) is one of Egypt's most promising and commercially important varieties, celebrated for its semi-dry texture, golden colour, and excellent shipping qualities.

A large, semi-dry date with an oblong-oval shape. The skin is thin and tender, shrinking with the flesh. When fresh, it is yellow and syrupy; when cured, it becomes dark brown. The flesh is soft with a sweet flavour. It has a great similarity in colour and characteristics to the Medjool. It is a semi-dry date fruit.

The principal commercial date of Egypt, very largely exported to London from the Sharqia, Faqus, Salhiyeh, and Abu Kabir regions. The culture of the Amri date is practically confined to the Delta borderland on the east. It is regarded as one of the most promising varieties of Egyptian date palms. The variety originated in Iraq and is also known as Amir Haji or Amer Hajj, meaning "Leader of the Pilgrimage".

The Amri variety excels in antioxidants, recording 11.62% compared to 10.70% for the Medjool. It is rich in dietary fiber, iron, potassium, B-vitamins, flavonoids, and amino acids.

The high antioxidant content contributes to overall health and well-being. Its excellent shipping qualities made it a popular export date. It is recognized for its favourable attributes that enhance its export potential. Its name "Amir Hajj" reflects its cultural connection to the pilgrimage, as it was a traditional date offered to pilgrims.

The soft consistency makes it ideal for purees. Use as a natural sweetener in smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal, or spread on toast. It tends to collapse when stuffed and is not meant for recipes calling for semi-dry or dry dates. Instead, reserve it for melting into a caramel sauce, cooking into date syrup, or drizzling over ricotta cheese. Pairs well with nuts, chocolate, coffee, cream, cinnamon, coconut, orange, bananas, apricots, brandy, rum, cheese, bacon, pork, and poultry.