DATE VARIETIES 247 



The fruit will keep for five or six months in good 

 condition; experimental shipments to New York have 

 been successful. 



Ibrahimi, Abraham's Date, a variety so much 

 confused with Brim and Sayyid Ibrahim that it is 

 difficult to get a full description of it at Baghdad, 

 where it is rather rare. It is one of the earliest dates 

 of the region, ripening late in July if the season is 

 favorable. It is large and fat, short in proportion 

 to its breadth; its color when fresh is sorrel, but 

 becomes darker when cured. The palm is said to 

 yield well, and the fresh dates to be good, but if allowed 

 to remain on the tree they take on a rather un- 

 pleasant flavor. For this reason it is not often packed, 

 although it is not too soft to keep well. 



Ibrahimi, vulgarly Ibrimi, Abraham's Date, 

 one of the largest and most famous of Nubian dates, 

 sometimes reaching a length of three and one-half 

 inches, according to Schweinfurth. It is a common 

 variety, growing in sandy soil. In form it is usually 

 slightly curved, and tapering; almost cylindrical. 

 Can be eaten when soft and fresh, when its color is 

 yellowish-red; later the flesh, which is thick, becomes 

 firm and almost dry, sweet and delicate in flavor; the 

 base of the fruit turns chestnut in color while the 

 apex usually remains red. The seed is very dark 

 brown, and small. The flavor is sometimes compared 

 to that of a carob (Ceratonia siliqua). Season, 

 September. 



One of the centers of culture of this variety is the 

 town of Sukkut, where an improved type is supposed 

 to be found; hence it is often called Sukkuti, or, 

 vulgarly, Scotty. 



