Surge in demand for madkooka in Wasit as winter deepens

WASIT – As winter reaches its midpoint and nighttime temperatures plunge, demand for madkooka—a traditional Iraqi confectionary made from dates—has surged in Wasit Governorate. To meet local orders, vendors have instituted a pre-order system and halted shipments to other governorates.

Mohammed Shuaibith, a well-known madkooka seller in Kut’s Souq Al-Masaqaf, told 964media that confectioners have attempted to speed up the process of mashing dates using modern tools instead of the traditional wooden mortar. However, customers insist on watching the process themselves and prefer the Jaun, which imparts a distinctive flavor to the dates.

Madkooka is a traditional Iraqi sweet or snack made from simple ingredients and is popular as a quick, energy-rich treat. It is typically prepared by mixing dates with toasted sesame seeds, crushed nuts, or sometimes a touch of butter.

Shuaibith explained that madkooka is made exclusively from Zahidi and Ashrasi dates, sometimes mixed with sesame and walnuts, although some customers prefer it without these additions. Despite rising demand, the price remains fixed at 5,000 Iraqi dinars ($3.33) per kilogram, as long as the sweet is prepared using the mortar.

He also noted that while the market requires faster production methods to keep pace with demand, attempts to use alternative tools—such as a heavy iron press—failed to achieve the same flavor.

“The jaun [mortar] is part of Madkooka’s traditional taste, and we won’t replace it,” Shuaibith affirmed.