Ajwa and Mazafati sit at opposite ends of the moisture spectrum, which matters more for how you store and use them than any of the cure-all claims attached to Ajwa online — the black magic protection, the cholesterol and heart-disease claims, none of it holds up, and it's not the reason either date is worth buying.
Moisture and shelf life
Mazafati is a soft, high-moisture date that spoils faster at room temperature and generally needs refrigeration or freezing within a couple of weeks of opening. Ajwa is drier and firmer, so it holds up longer unrefrigerated — a few weeks rather than days — before the surface sugars start crystallising. If you're buying both, treat them differently in storage rather than assuming one shelf life fits both.
Freezing each variety
Mazafati freezes well and is often the more practical choice to freeze in bulk, since its texture doesn't change much once thawed. Ajwa can be frozen too, but because it's already firmer, freezing isn't as necessary for short-to-medium storage — a sealed container in the fridge usually does the job.
Taste and use
Mazafati has a wetter, almost jam-like sweetness that works well blended into smoothies or sauces. Ajwa's flavour is more concentrated and slightly less sweet per bite, which is why it's more commonly eaten on its own or a few at a time rather than used as an ingredient. Neither is "healthier" than the other — both are natural sugar and fibre, in similar proportions.
More on handling both varieties
See Fresh vs. Dried: Unveiling the Delights of Buah Kurma (Dates) for how moisture content shapes shelf life across dates generally, and Kurma Mariami AA: Incorporating Dates into Cuisine Beyond Sweet Treats if you're comparing a third variety into the mix.
Where to buy
Supplier Kurma Green diamond stocks graded Ajwa and Mazafati side by side, so you can compare texture and price directly. Kurma Madinah Green diamond covers the wider Madinah range, and Supplier Kurma Green diamond lists current stock and grades before you order.