Dates are a brown, oval-shaped fruit that grow on a the date palm tree. Dates are usually eaten in the dried form. Dried dates are very sweet, moist, and chewy.
Where to buy good dates
I like these Deglet Noor dates and these Medjool dates from Azure Standard. These Medjool dates from Amazon are also good, but they are more expensive than those from Azure Standard.
Are dates a healthy food?
High in disease-fighting antioxidants and fiber, dates are a very healthy food.
Different varieties of dates
There are many different varieties of dates, all with different flavors, textures, and levels of sweetness.
The 3 most common varieties are:
Deglet Noor – Smaller, darker, and firmer than Medjool. Not quite as sweet as Medjool dates.
Medjool – Large in size and light in color. Chewy, sticky, and fleshy.
Aseel – Dense, dry, and very sweet.
How do you use dates?
Dates are a wonderful natural sweetener and can be used in cookies and other baked goods. They’re also great for sweetening breakfast cereal.
Tip: Some dates are soft and some are very hard. If your recipes directs you to blend dates in a blender, and your dates are hard, you can soften them by placing them in a saucepan with a tablespoon or two of water, covering with a lid, and cooking over medium heat until they are soft.
Recipes that use dates
Sugar-Free Banana Date Breakfast Bites
How to store dates
Dates should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They will stay good for up to 4 months. For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator or freezer.
Where to buy good dates
I like these Deglet Noor dates and these Medjool dates from Azure Standard. These Medjool dates from Amazon are also good, but they are more expensive than those from Azure Standard.
