THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Although the markets have once again been flooded with varieties of dates, it is the online sales of dry fruits that are reaping big bucks in Kerala. The expensive varieties could be even cheaper by a few hundred rupees online. “The date markets have started to bloom only now. So we have cheaper Fard which cost Rs 350 per kilogram. Khimiya also will become Rs 360,”said Abul Samad, a seller. Kharek dates which are cheaper are available on offer price of upto Rs150 on websites. However, masjids in the city do not prefer these low quality dates.
While Fard dates come from Oman and UAE, they are available round the year in the city. During the holy month, dates come from around a dozen Afro-Asian markets. “Kerala has been an important market in South India apart from Telangana. Three years ago we did not have delivery in all of Kerala. However, online purchase is picking up pace,” said an employee from Mazgaon, Mumbai. Medjool from Jordan that cost around Rs 1,800 per kilogram is the most expensive date found on the market.
On online markets, Al Ajwa that cost Rs 2,200 per kilogram are the most sold variety. They are special as they find mention in the Koran. Cheaper versions like Kurma Tangkai from Tunisia are available for Rs 800.The other varieties include Pearl, Shamar and Barari from Iran which have started to arrive in bakeries. Egypt, Iran and Saudi Arabia are the largest exporters of dates in the world.
