Riyadh: Madinah Region is distinguished by its diverse date varieties, which represent one of the Kingdom's leading agricultural assets. Among the most notable are Madinah Barni and Al-Ais Barni, both recognized for their quality and nutritional value, while exhibiting differences in their physical and chemical characteristics that reflect the diversity of agricultural environments across the region.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Madinah Barni is classified as a semi-dry variety with a moisture content of about 21.04%. Its fruit is elongated with a rounded base, measuring an average of 6.06 centimeters in length and 2.50 centimeters in width, with an average weight of 14.60 grams. It is brown when fully ripe, with thick, smooth flesh that separates easily from the seed, and is known for its delicious taste and very good flavor.
Al-Ais Barni is classified as a dry variety with a moisture content of about 19.39%. Its fruit is elongated with a truncated base, averaging 5.02 centimeters in length and 2.32 centimeters in width, with an average weight of 11.00 grams. It also turns brown as it matures and has firmer, thinner flesh, offering a very good flavor and a delicious taste. The variety is particularly suitable for long-term preservation and storage.
Both varieties are rich in natural sugars, dietary fiber, and essential minerals, particularly potassium, magnesium, and calcium, in addition to several vitamins. These qualities enhance their nutritional value and make them among the preferred varieties for consumption and date-based food industries.
This diversity of date varieties in Madinah Region reflects the area's rich agricultural heritage and contributes to supporting value-added industries, expanding marketing and export opportunities, and increasing the value of the palm sector, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to develop the agricultural sector and strengthen the competitiveness of national products in local and global markets.