What it means
خرما (khormâ) means dates, the fruit of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera). The word descends from Middle Persian xormā and is attested in classical Persian literature, confirming its deep Persian roots. It was borrowed into Turkish and Azerbaijani as hurma, not the other way around. In everyday Persian, خرما covers all varieties of the fruit: fresh, semi-dried, and fully dried. Among Iran’s most celebrated varieties are مضافتی (mazafati), a soft, dark date from the south, and پیارم (piarom), a semi-dry variety prized for its rich flavour. خارک (khârak), eaten while still yellowish, is a regional delicacy.
How to use it
- خرما با چای خیلی خوبه. (khormâ bâ châi kheili khube.) “Dates go very well with tea.”
- ماه رمضون با خرما روزه میشکنن. (mâh-e ramezun bâ khormâ ruze mishkenan.) “In Ramadan people break their fast with dates.”
- خرمای مجول از کجا میخری؟ (khormâ-ye majul az kojâ mikhâri?) “Where do you buy Medjool dates?”
- درخت خرما تو جنوب زیاده. (derakht-e khormâ tu jonub ziâde.) “There are many date palms in the south.”
Cultural note
Dates hold a prominent place in Iranian culture and religion. Breaking the Ramadan fast with خرما and water is a widespread practice across Iran, following both religious tradition and the practical logic that dates provide quick energy. Iran’s southern provinces, especially Khuzestan, Bushehr, and Kerman, are major date-producing regions. Dates also appear on the haft-sin table at Nowruz in some traditions, and خرما پلو (khormâ polo), a rice dish with dates and saffron, is prepared for weddings and celebrations in the south.