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Date

Dates are a nutritious and versatile fruit that have been cultivated for thousands of years, primarily in Middle Eastern countries. They grow on the date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera) and come in various colors and textures, ranging from soft to semi-dry and dry varieties. Typically, they have a sweet flavor profile, with soft flesh surrounding a single, elongated seed. These fruits are highly sought-after for their rich source of fiber, natural sugars, and essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron. Dates are commonly incorporated into both sweet and savory dishes or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack. They also play a significant role in various cultural and religious traditions, especially as a staple food during Ramadan for Muslims.
#9
IN FRUIT BASED SNACKS
282
CAL / 100G
$0.50
AVG / OZ
date
96%
CARBS
1%
FAT
3%
PROTEIN
Date FAQ
Dates are a flavorful and nutritious ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes. One common mistake when cooking with dates is not properly pitting them, which can potentially lead to unpleasant crunchy bits in your dishes. Always ensure to remove the seeds before using the fruits. Also, dates are naturally very sweet, so keep this in mind when adding other sweet ingredients to your dish. A little-known trick to rehydrate dried dates is to soak them in hot water for about 10-15 minutes or until they have softened. Furthermore, adding dates to your smoothies, cereal, or yogurt can provide a natural sweetening alternative, while also adding a good amount of dietary fiber.
Can you eat dates raw?
Do dates need to be cooked?
Are dates a good substitute for sugar?
How do you pit a date?
What can I use dates for?
Are dates good for weight loss?
Do the various types of dates taste different?
How do I rehydrate dry dates?
Can I use dates to sweeten my coffee?
Dates vs Raisins, which is healthier?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does date expire?
Unopened, dates can last for about a year when stored in a pantry and even longer if kept in the refrigerator, commonly around two years, from the time they were packed. Once opened, dates if stored properly should stay fresh for several weeks to several months. If you freeze them, they can even last up to five years.
How do you tell if date is bad?
If you see any crystalized sugar on the surface of the dates, don't worry - this is completely normal due to the high sugar content and they are still edible. Signs that dates have gone bad are very similar to other fruits. They will become very hard and dry as they start to lose their moisture, and you may notice a strange odor similar to that of alcohol if they're beginning to ferment. Do check for mold, which can appear as fuzzy spots of various colors (white, blue, green), and discard the dates if you spot any.
Tips for storing date to extend shelf life
• Keep your dates in a cool, dry place if you're planning on eating them in a relatively short span of time. An airtight container or zip-top bag in the pantry works perfectly for this. • If you want to preserve them longer, put them in the fridge. You'd be surprised how well the cool temperature can keep them fresh. • For longest storage, consider freezing your dates. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, press out the excess air, and seal it tightly. To use frozen dates, just let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour or put them in the fridge overnight. • Don't wash your dates until you're ready to eat them as moisture can lead to mold growth.
EXPIRES WITHIN
8 - 11
MONTHS
Equivalents
Substitutes
Health Info
Macros
18g
CARBS
0g
FAT
0g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
VEGETARIAN
PALEO
WHOLE 30
MEDITERRANEAN
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
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