Sugar-free, cooked with stevia, or jaggery-filled – these are the three common options to Diwali sweets if you don’t like the usual rich ones. After all, 2019 has largely been about making sure that health and well-being come first. So if you are one of those people who is always on the lookout for low-cal options, it helps to know that Bateel dates, the luxury label from Dubai has now opened its doors in Mumbai.
Bateel is the Middle-East’s biggest brand providing quality dates and its gourmet variants. Established in 1936, it is known to be the world’s only gourmet date grower, producer, and seller with organic date farms in the Al Ghat region of Saudi Arabia, north of the capital Riyadh. It’s said that the green valleys of the Tuwayq Mountains gives Bateel dates its specific taste, and each date is hand-picked and of the highest quality.
The reasons why dates make for great replacements for traditional desserts are many. Rich in iron, dietary fibre, and essential fatty acids, they are known to aid weight loss, and five-six dates a day are enough to keep your sweet cravings at bay. They contain vitamins such as B1, B2, B3 and B5, as well as A1 and C, to such an extent that they can replace supplements. They also have the highest antioxidant content, containing Flavonoids (that reduce inflammation), Carotenoids (that promote heart health), and Phenolic acid (known for anti-inflammatory properties). Dates also promote bone health and help with blood sugar regulation due to their low glycemic index.
Bateel grows around 20 varieties of premium quality dates, and is known to be a tree-to-table label. The new store offers everything from Ajwa, the holy date, and Kholas, the toffee-flavoured one served with Arabic coffee, to Wanan, the sweet-shaped coffee flavoured option, to Khidhri, the chewy date. Also on affer are Medjool, Segai, and the Sokari other very popular varieties.
Our personal favourites are the filled dates, the stuffed Kholas and Khidri with candied lemon peel, hazelnuts, pistachios, pecans, almonds, and cashews. Also up for grabs is the Wanan Dhibs, a sauce made of toffee dates, and the Date Mustard made from Barhi dates. What makes things even better is their unique packaging, attention to detail, and the interesting knick-knacks you can add to your gift hamper to make it more interesting.
Bateel, G 5E, Ground Floor, Palladium Mall, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Ph: 022 4970 6364 | 99675 88881
Prices start at Rs 4,000
Latha Sunadh
Deputy Editor
When she's not trying on a new serum, researching on yet another classic fragrance and sharing lip balms with her 5-year old daughter, Latha Sunadh keeps it reined in with a nice song and a good book. Special skills include obsessing over handmade, home-made and handcrafted luxuries.
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