Popular varieties of dates grown in Nizwa

· Hilali oman: Cultivated in various parts of the Sultanate, this late-season crop has light yellow dates with a 60 per cent sugar content.
· Khalas: The most valuable date crop, the khalas thrives in the Interior, Sharqiya and Dhahirah region, besides Al Rostaq. With 65 per cent sugar, it is among the most delicious. The fruit is bright yellow, oval-shaped, and is eaten either fresh or half-dry.
· Khasab: A late-season crop, the khasab grows in all date-farming regions of the Sultanate, though quality yields come from Al Rostaq, Ibri and parts of the Sharqiya region. The fruit is dark red in colour, but some sub-types are yellowish.
· Khunaizi: Cultivated in most areas of the Sultanate, these dark red dates can usually withstand high humidity levels. They are relished fresh in season or dry outside the season.
· Mebselli: A mid-season crop, the mebselli, in line with traditional practice, is cooked and dried and exported to markets in the Indian sub-continent. It is also eaten fresh or naturally dried. It grows extensively in the Interior, Sharqiya, Dhahirah and Batinah regions.
· Naghal: An early crop, the naghal is sensitive to humidity and thrives best in the hot, arid Interior region. A large part of the naghal harvest is destined for Oman's date processing factories. Qashtabaq: Reddish-yellow in colour, these oblongish dates grow in the Interior, Dhahirah and Batinah regions. Sugar content is pegged at a significant 68 per cent.