Zahidi

Zahidi is a term used primarily as the name of a date palm cultivar and as a surname of Arabic origin. In agricultural contexts, Zahidi refers to a date variety that has been widely grown in the Middle East and North Africa, and is particularly associated with production in Iraq and Gulf states.

Zahidi dates are generally described as semi-dry with an elongated, oval shape. Fruits are medium to large and have a light brown to amber skin. The flesh is pale and the texture is relatively firm, contributing to a longer shelf life compared with softer varieties. The harvest occurs in the cooler months in many growing areas. Zahidi dates are used for fresh consumption, drying, and in date-based products, and are valued for their steady quality and suitability for export.

The name Zahidi derives from Arabic zahid, meaning ascetic or devout, with the suffix -i indicating belonging to or associated with. As a surname, Zahidi is found among Arabic-speaking communities and their diaspora, where it can denote lineage or origin. The term may also appear in related regional naming traditions, reflecting cultural and linguistic connections across the Middle East and South Asia.