Dates — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips

When evaluating dates, ensure they have a glossy sheen and are uniformly brown without any crystallized sugar on their surface. They should feel sticky but not overly moist. Smell the dates for a rich, caramel-like aroma.

Do not purchase dates that are hard or have a sour smell, as these are indicators they are past their prime. Good quality dates will be tender and chewy with a naturally sweet flavor.

Dates should be kept in a sealed container at room temperature. Storing them in a cool, dark location helps retain their natural sweetness. Properly stored, dates can last for several months.

Excessive moisture can make dates overly sticky and prone to spoilage. They should be kept away from humid areas. A tight seal on the container will help maintain their texture and prevent drying out.

Dates can last for 6-12 months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated or frozen, where they can last up to 1 year.

Leftover dates can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. Chop them and add to salads with greens, nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette, or mix them into baked goods like muffins, cookies, or bread for natural sweetness. Dates are also great in smoothies, where they add a rich, caramel-like flavor.

Use dates to make a date paste by blending them with water, perfect for sweetening recipes or spreading on toast. If you have a lot of dates, consider stuffing them with cream cheese or nuts for a quick and elegant appetizer. Dates can also be chopped and mixed into grain bowls with quinoa or couscous, or used as a sweet addition to couscous or rice dishes. For a healthy snack, enjoy dates on their own or mix them into a trail mix with nuts and seeds.