Characterization of Majhoul Dates from Different Geographical Sites of the Drâa-Tafilalet Area

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Morad Oubouali 1
Soufiane Ghanimi 1
Mohamed Sami 2
Morad Kaddouri 1
Wafaà Bouzir 1
Maryem El Oihabi 3
Charaf Dlimi 1
Yassine Zine-eddine 1
Mohammed Ellaite 1
Khalid Boutoial 1
1 Laboratory of the Engineering and Applied Technologies, Higher School of Technology, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Mghila University Campus, Pb 591 Béni Mellal, Morocco
2 Team of Agro-industrial & Environmental Processes, Department of chemistry and environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, BP 523, 23000 Béni Mellal, Morocco.
3 Research Team Materials, Environment and Sustainable Development, FSTT, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan 93000, Morocco
Abstract
This study provides a comprehensive characterization of “Majhoul” dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) from four major growing regions of Drâa-Tafilalet area Morocco (Boudnib, Erfoud, Goulmima, and Zagora). The research aimed to evaluate the impact of local conditions on fruit quality through integrated physicochemical, biochemical, and microbiological analyses. Significant variations were observed across localities: moisture content ranged from 20.59 % to 25.00 %, water activity (aw) from 0.618 to 0.766, and total sugars from 72.23% to 75.87%. These compositional differences directly influenced microbial stability, with higher moisture correlating with increased microbial risks. Biochemically, protein content varied significantly (1.74%-1.98 %), while lipid content remained consistently low (0.1 %). Microbiological assessment revealed excellent hygienic quality with the absence of pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria) but showed elevated fungal mesophilic aerobic thermophilic loads in Zagora samples (4×10⁶ colony-forming units per gram (CFU)/g), indicating the need for optimized postharvest management. The findings demonstrate that local factors significantly determine Majhoul date quality and underscore the importance of controlled drying and storage conditions for enhancing preservation, safety, and marketability of this economically important variety.
Keywords
Biochemical
Food safety
Majhoul dates
Phoenix dactylifera
Physicochemical
Postharvest
Subjects
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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 June 2026