Rutab Dates

Rutab dates are dates picked at the rutab stage of ripening, when the fruit is soft, moist and naturally sweet, with a tender skin and a rich, caramel-like taste. They are commonly eaten on their own as a snack, offered to guests alongside Arabic coffee or tea, and are a familiar way to break the fast during Ramadan. Many people also enjoy them at breakfast with yogurt or labneh, chop them into oats, or blend them into milkshakes and home desserts. At Dekenet Al Nes in Baaqline, in the Chouf, rutab dates are sold by the kilo. As a package-free grocery store, Dekenet Al Nes encourages customers to bring their own containers or bags and take just the amount they need, which helps cut plastic waste and single-use packaging.