Dates

Ajwa, Medjool, Safawi and more, imported dates for Ramadan, gifting and every day.

43 products

Dates and ZamZam

Dates differ far more than most people expect. Ajwa from Madinah are soft, dark and mild with a distinctive fine texture, Medjool are large, sweet and caramel like, Safawi are darker and richer, Mabroom are longer and firmer with a chewier bite, and Khudri sit sweeter and more affordable for everyday eating.

Cii Stores carries the main varieties together, in loose weights and in presentation trays and hampers, alongside ZamZam water. Demand rises sharply through Ramadan and around Hajj season, so availability of specific varieties shifts through the year more than most of the shop.

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Questions and answers

What are Ajwa dates?
Ajwa are a soft, dark date grown in Madinah, known for their mild sweetness and fine, almost dry texture. They hold particular significance in Islamic tradition, which is why they are the variety most often asked for by name.
What is the difference between Ajwa, Medjool and Safawi?
Ajwa are small, soft and mildly sweet, Medjool are noticeably larger with a rich caramel sweetness, and Safawi are dark, soft and deeper in flavour than Ajwa. Medjool are usually the easiest starting point for someone new to dates.
Which dates are best for Ramadan?
Any variety serves for opening a fast, and the choice usually comes down to preference and budget. Khudri and Safawi are common everyday choices for a household, with Ajwa and Medjool kept for guests and gifting.
How should I store dates?
Keep them in a sealed container in a cool, dark place, and refrigerate them in warm weather to stop them drying out or sweating. Softer varieties like Ajwa and Safawi benefit most from refrigeration.
How long do dates keep?
Stored sealed and cool they keep for months, and refrigeration extends that further. A best before date is given on the packaging, and sugar crystallising on the surface is normal rather than a sign of spoilage.
Do you sell date gift trays and hampers?
Yes. Presentation trays and variety packs are stocked alongside loose weights, which makes them a straightforward gift for Eid, a housewarming or someone returning from Hajj. Contents are listed per product.
Do you stock ZamZam water?
Yes, ZamZam water is stocked alongside the dates range. Availability varies through the year, so it is worth checking the product page for current stock before planning around it.
Are the dates imported?
The range is largely imported, with the Madinah varieties coming from Saudi Arabia. Origin is given on the product page where the supplier provides it.
Can I buy dates in store?
Yes. Cii Stores is a physical shop in Ormonde, Johannesburg, and dates are one of the lines people most often prefer to pick up in person, particularly close to Ramadan. You can also order online for delivery across South Africa.
How much do dates cost?
Dates at Cii Stores start from around R30 for smaller packs and run to roughly R599 for premium varieties and larger gift hampers. Ajwa and Medjool sit at the higher end, with Khudri among the most affordable.
Are dates suitable as a gift?
They are among the most common gifts in Muslim households, and a variety tray works for almost any occasion without needing to know a person's taste. Paired with ZamZam water they make a natural Hajj or Umrah welcome home gift.
How much is delivery and how long does it take?
Standard shipping is R160 and orders are delivered within 3 to 5 business days. Delivery is free on orders over R1500.
Can I return dates?
Dates are a consumable food item, so for hygiene reasons they can only be returned unopened and in their original sealed packaging, within 7 days. Please note that sale items are non refundable.