What are Amber dates?
Amber dates (also called Anbara, Ambar or Anbar) are the giants of Madinah. A single Amber date can be twice the size of an Ajwa, with a small seed and an unusually high flesh-to-seed ratio. The skin is a warm reddish-brown, the flesh is soft and dense, and the flavour is rich and mellow with a light caramel sweetness that is never cloying.
In Saudi Arabia, Amber is one of the most expensive dates in the market and is reserved for special guests and gifts. In India it is still a niche variety, searched for as Amber dates Madinah, Anbara khajoor or simply big-size Saudi dates, and the people who find it tend to come back for it.
Why Amber dates are so large and so prized
Amber palms produce fewer fruit per bunch than most varieties, and growers in Madinah thin the bunches further so each date grows bigger and fleshier. The result is a date that feels substantial in the hand and eats almost like a small dessert. Because yields are low and the fruit is delicate, Amber is harvested and handled carefully, and that scarcity is built into the price.
Health benefits of Amber dates
- Protein and minerals: Amber dates are noted for a relatively high protein content for a date, along with iron, potassium, magnesium and calcium.
- Fibre: the dense flesh carries a good amount of fibre, supporting digestion and fullness.
- Natural energy: the large size means a single date delivers a satisfying boost, which is why one or two Amber dates are often enough at iftar or before a workout.
- Antioxidants: like other Madinah varieties, Amber contains polyphenols and flavonoids.
Because each date is large, two or three Amber dates is a generous daily serving. People watching blood sugar should factor in the size when counting portions.
Amber dates price in India in 2026
Amber is a premium product and the price reflects it. In India, good-quality Amber dates from Madinah typically cost ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 per kg, and super-jumbo grades can go higher. Smaller 200 g to 500 g packs are common on marketplaces at ₹400 to ₹1,000, which works out to a similar per-kilo rate.
If you see Amber dates priced like ordinary Kalmi or Sukkari, be cautious. They may be a smaller grade, aged stock, or a different variety being sold under the Amber name.
Amber vs Ajwa vs Medjool at a glance
| Amber | Ajwa | Medjool | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Very large | Small to medium | Large |
| Texture | Soft, dense, meaty | Soft, fudgy | Very soft, moist |
| Sweetness | Mellow | Mild | High, caramel |
| Origin | Madinah | Madinah | Palestine and others |
| Typical India price per kg | ₹1,500 to ₹2,000+ | ₹1,500 to ₹3,000+ | ₹900 to ₹2,500 |
| Best for | Luxury gifting, impressing guests | Religious occasions, Ramadan | Desserts, everyday indulgence |
How to check Amber quality
- Size and uniformity: genuine premium Amber is consistently large. Mixed sizes mean a lower grade.
- Skin: glossy and close to the flesh. Loose, wrinkled or flaking skin shows moisture loss.
- Softness: should yield to gentle pressure. Hard Amber has been stored too long or too warm.
- Flesh-to-seed ratio: cut one open; the seed should look small inside a thick wall of flesh.
Amber dates for gifting in India
Amber's size makes it the showpiece of a gift box. A tray of jumbo Amber dates, on its own or alongside Ajwa and Medjool, is a popular choice for Ramadan and Eid gifting, weddings and corporate hampers in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. It is also a thoughtful gift for returning Hajj and Umrah pilgrims' families who know the variety from Madinah.
Where to buy Amber dates online in India
Amber is delicate and loses its character quickly when stored warm, so the supply chain matters more than for almost any other date. Tamooriya takes Amber from Madinah farms directly into cold storage and packs it only after you order. Shipments leave our Dubai hub and reach cities across India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and Kerala, in roughly three to five working days.
See current availability on our Amber Dates page, or check shipping details on our India delivery page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the price of Amber dates in India?
Typically ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 per kg for genuine Madinah Amber in 2026, with jumbo grades costing more.
Are Amber and Anbara dates the same thing?
Yes. Anbara, Ambar and Anbar are all transliterations of the same Madinah variety.
Why are Amber dates so expensive?
Low yield per palm, careful thinning to grow large fruit, delicate handling and limited export volumes all push the price up.
How many Amber dates should I eat a day?
Two or three is plenty given their size.
How do I store Amber dates?
Sealed in the refrigerator. Their high moisture content makes them more sensitive to Indian heat than drier varieties.
Final word
Amber is the date you serve when you want to make an impression. Large, soft and mellow, it is Madinah's luxury variety, and freshness makes all the difference. For cold-stored Amber dates delivered across India, explore Tamooriya Amber dates.
