Saudi Arabia’s Hilwah Al-Jouf: A timeless bond between people and dates across generations

RIYADH: Generations of Al-Jouf natives have been associated with palm trees, underlining the deep connection between them and their homeland.

Palm trees provided essential sustenance to community members in the past, but also served purposes beyond food. Palm trunks, fronds and branches provided the basis for building shelters, the skill and knowledge passed down from generation to generation.

Young people today maintain their connection to palm cultivation, learning from their fathers and grandfathers, and celebrating the region’s rich agricultural heritage.

Hilwah Al-Jouf cultivation, in particular, is a source of pride for date farmers and an important element of the region’s economy. The Hilwah Al-Jouf date is known not only for its flavor, but also for its cultural significance in the Al-Jouf region.

When English traveler Lady Anne Blunt visited the region in 1879, she noted that these dates were of exceptional sweetness and quality.

Hilwah Al-Jouf is in great demand in local markets, particularly during the harvest season, which begins in September. With nearly one million palm trees, Al-Jouf region produces more than 43,000 tonnes of dates each year, including the popular Hilwah Al-Jouf.

Dates support the local economy by providing the produce sold at regional festivals and holding contests honoring the best dates every year.

Farmers using a careful harvesting and production process, transform the dates from their initial red appearance, known as basr, into fully ripened varieties. The dates are carefully stored and pressed, ready to be enjoyed during the winter months, when they are known as Al-Majrash, a local delicacy characterized by its sugary texture and molasses-like.

Hilwah Al-Jouf represents more than a simple food item, it is the center of the Al-Jouf region’s culture and economy, embodying traditional values that are central to the community’s identity.