Dates grow in different stages. Right before the Rhutab stage is the the Khalal stage. In the Rhutab stage, the medjool date fruit changes from a yellow/red to a brown or black color. The tip of the organic date fruit starts to ripen. This stage lasts for about 2 - 4 weeks. The date fruit decreases in weight at this stage; it also becomes sweet. The moisture in this stage is usually 30% - 45%. The Rhutab stage is only harvested and shipped in September. It is the second edible stage of medjool dates, at which the date fruit is delicate, translucent, moist, and very juicy with a luxurious, melt-in-you-mouth, texture.
