Boufeggous Dates

Also spelled Boufeggouss, this Moroccan variety is a true treasure of the Tafilalet region, prized for its unique spherical shape, intoxicating aroma, and delicate, caramelized flavor.

A spherical shaped date. It is half-soft, translucent brown in colour. It is a highly aromatic and slightly caramelised variety. The fruit is medium-sized, cylindrical, and amber to reddish-brown when fully ripe, with thin, glossy skin and dense flesh that becomes slightly sticky as it matures. It is heavier (19.83g), longer (50.1mm), and wider (23.3mm) than Deglet Nour. Its flavor is rich but not overly sugary, with a mild caramel note and soft fibers that give a smooth mouthfeel.

Cultivated mainly in the oases of the Tafilalet and Draa valleys in southeastern Morocco, particularly around Erfoud, Zagora, and Tinghir. It is one of Morocco's principal date cultivars. Harvest typically takes place from mid-September to late October.

It is a rich source of minerals, containing 816 mg of potassium and 87 mg of magnesium per serving. It also provides natural sugars, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.

It is known for its superior adaptation to salt conditions and is a very fragrant and slightly caramelized variety. In Morocco, it is eaten as is or used to make jams, syrups, or pastries. According to Muslim tradition, dates are the fruit of paradise and possess many nutritional virtues, such as being fortifiers for women after giving birth.

Eaten without processing as a snack, though it may be pitted and stuffed with nuts or shaped into date paste for confectionery use. It is served to guests with mint tea or used in couscous and tagine recipes that combine sweet and savory flavors. Its natural sweetness pairs well with roasted almonds, walnuts, or goat cheese.