Enjoy! /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. Bacon-wrapped dates are a classic salty-sweet bar snack, but you can make vegetarian version with parsnips (seriously) and lose none of the compelling flavor. Contact us today for your dates extravaganza. There is no harm in this, but it does indicate that the dates are not as fresh as they could be. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. You can find the more common types of dates at most grocery stores, but for Barhi and Halawis you might need to venture to a specialty market or shop online. Enjoy as it is, or place it under a broiler for 1 minutejust long enough for the chocolate to start to melt (but not completely). Soft Cheese [As a Stuffing for Dates] * If you have a recipe that calls for dates and you dont have enough, you could possibly substitute figs, raisins, cherries, cranberries, or dried apricots. Overall: No matter what type of date you choose, consider them to be high in sugars, with 3 Deglet Noor dates or 1 Medjool date providing roughly one-third of the recommended amount of sugar intake for the day. Coconut + Nuts North African cuisine, baked goods (i.e., breads, cakes, muffins, pie crusts, scones), confections (i.e., truffles), desserts, granola, Middle Eastern cuisine, puddings, salad dressings, smoothies, soups, spreads, Suggested Food and Flavor Combos Using Dates It is important to note that if you opt to store your Medjool dates in the freezer, they should be used within six weeks after having been thawed. Apricots + Ginger In general, the Medjool dates are larger, sweeter, and stickier then the Deglet Noor dates. However, they may also be stored in the refrigerator for extended shelf life.
Medjool Dates: Many recipes, especially for smoothies, call for adding one or two Medjool dates. Dates are typically categorized into three types: soft, semi-dry and dry. Dried and fresh dates are available year-round, but the fresh dates are best from November to January. They have a moisture content of 10 percent or less. * To chop dates without having a sticky, gooey mess on your knife, either spray the knife with nonstock cooking spray, or lightly coat the knife blade with just a little oil of choice. Flavonoids help to reduce inflammation and may reduce the risk of diabetes, Alzheimers disease, and some types of cancer. Add dates to any of the following combinations, Almond Milk/Almonds + Bananas [Optional: + Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Vanilla] In other words, if a recipe calls for cup of granulated sugar, you could substitute cup of date paste with comparable results. Finely chop 1 pound of Medjool dates. At this stage they are considered to be unripe and are known as khalal, or yellow crunchy dates. At this stage, their moisture content is around 80 percent. About Dates These are usually the Deglet Noor variety. Clusters of fruit on branches may be harvested at once, or individual fruit may be harvested, depending on how they are to be marketed and their stage of growth. Many of the vitamin and mineral components were very closely matched, often with slightly more in the Medjool date, most likely because it contained more flesh than the three Deglet Noor dates. Hi! 2022 Cond Nast. Medjool Dates: Medjool dates are usually more expensive than Deglet Noor dates. Also, dates contain tannins, which have been shown to help promote labor contractions. Also, since date sugar is just ground up dates, it still contains the fiber naturally found in the fruit. Apples + Cinnamon + Coconut + Nutmeg + Orange Zest + Pecans Bananas + Coconut [In Muesli] If you want to use them in conjunction with other food, there are many applications. Because medjool dates are rather large relative to deglet noor dates, they can be used as stuffing with savory or sweet fillings such as lemon peel, marzipan, blue cheese, candied orange, or even nuts like pistachios, pecans and almonds. This benefit may be helpful in the management of diabetes. Tahini + Sea Salt [Drizzle Dates with Tahini and Sprinkle Lightly with Salt], Recipe Links Improved Blood Sugar Control. https://www.thekitchn.com/pair-dates-with-these-7-foods-for-a-delicious-snack-244015, https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrition-comparison/171726-168191/wt9-wt1/1-1, https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-dates, https://getrezbar.com/blogs/news/medjool-dates-vs-normal-dates-what-you-should-know, https://mywellbeingjournal.com/2018/11/07/whats-the-difference-medjool-dates-vs-pitted-dates/, https://deliciouslydates.com/f/what-is-the-difference-between-fresh-and-dry-dates, https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/medjool-dates/, https://woodspurfarms.com/medjool-and-pitted-dates/, https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Deglet_Noor_Dates_11768.php, https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/medjool_dates_1002.php, https://deliciouslydates.com/f/tips-to-keep-dates-fresh-for-a-long-time, http://kianzarrinco.com/product/deglet-noor-dates/, https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-orange-almond-date-saladrecipes-from-the-kitchn-168307#post-recipe-10493, https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-creamy-orange-date-smoothie-239262#post-recipe-9637, https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-date-syrup-243951#post-recipe-11226, https://www.latimes.com/recipe/date-and-lemon-bars-with-sesame, https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2021-10-07/recipes-for-dates-and-how-best-to-cook-with-them, https://www.vegkitchen.com/4-great-tips-for-using-dates/, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-dates#TOC_TITLE_HDR_7, https://www.thekitchn.com/whats-date-sugar-and-how-do-you-use-it-243959. love reading this and learn a lot from here. Nutrition and Health Benefits Taste the liquid. Due to their sweeter flavor, bigger size and more fruitful availability, medjool dates are referred to as the crown jewel of dates. They are the second most popular date in the country. She went on to earn a BS Degree in Food and Nutrition, then an MS Degree in Nutrition. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. High in FiberHelps Prevent Constipation. Deglet Noor Dates: Deglet Noor dates are picked early and ripened thereafter. Be sure to use it within a few weeks. Cost Comparison A guide to buying, storing, and cooking with the sticky-sweet powerhouse fruitplus a run-down of our five favorite varieties. The king date fits into the soft category. Balsamic Vinegar + Blue Cheese So, date sugar may add a bit of grit when used in hot liquids and some baked goods. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Robert Rose, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Interested in learning more about dates or maybe even tasting some? Lemon + Oatmeal Theres no whisking or tempering involved, and the ingredients dont even have to come to room temperature. Therefore, it wont all dissolve in liquids like granulated or brown sugar would. Chocolate + Walnuts Brain Health. Medjool Dates: Medjool dates have a rich, chewy and sticky texture, similar to that of caramel. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company. 
Many in that region consider date palm trees and dates to be sacred because they can literally be life-sustaining. The high calorie count is due to the abundant natural sugars in both types of dates. Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for 30 minutes. Medjool dates are considered to be fresh since they have a higher moisture content than Deglet Noor dates. They are yellow and almost round with a mild flavor, and are crisp like an apple. It has a very nutty finish taste. Because they contain so much natural sugar, dates never completely freeze, which means their texture won't suffer despite long-term cold storage; a few minutes at room temperature will restore them to their original chewy selves. This is the type of date we typically see in American grocery stores. Disclaimer. They may be stored in an airtight container in the pantry, away from direct sunlight, and any heat source. Basically, there is no preparation needed to consume these delicious fruits. Since 1995, Epicurious has been the ultimate food resource for the home cook, with daily kitchen tips, fun cooking videos, and, oh yeah, over 33,000 recipes. (2014) The Vegetarian Flavor Bible. This means they will not spark a high spike in glucose levels when eaten, as compared with a piece of candy. Medjool dates are usually sold with the pit still within the fruit, whereas Deglet Noor dates are commonly sold pitted, with the seed being removed.
If you want to eat them fresh to take in the sweetness, go right ahead. Allow them to soak until the dates start to soften. This versatile dish makes those bits and bobs into fantastic comfort food. Caramelly, complex, and delightfully textured, dates belong in sweet and savory dishes alike, paired with everything from ice cream to leafy greens. Their caramel flavor is like natures candy. Got extra tortillas or leftover rotisserie chicken on hand? Im glad the article was so helpful to you!! Fresh dates may be available in grocery stores located close to the growers. * For some extra sweetness, add some chopped dates to your favorite fruit or vegetable salad. Eating dates with some protein (such as a nut butter or cheese) can help to reduce the rise in blood sugar levels when consumed. Furthermore, Medjool dates have a less thick fleshy exterior than Noor Deglet Dates and are thus less chewy on taste. If it is not sweet enough for your needs or if you want it a little thicker, place it in a sauce pan and simmer it over medium heat for about 30 minutes, or until your desired results are achieved. Like the flavonoids, phenolic acid is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits and may help to lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. That love of food blossomed into a quest to learn more and more about health and wellness as related to nutrition. 
* Chopped dates can add a special flavor and texture to pasta or rice dishes, or even savory meat dishes. Pregnancy and Labor Benefits. Flavor and Texture Comparison Dates 101 A Comparison of Medjool and Deglet Noor Dates. Storing dates in the refrigerator will help to extend their shelf life. At this point, they are considered to be fully ripe and have a light brown color. Medjool Dates: Medjool dates may be found both pitted and with the pits still intact. Allow it to cool, and store extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Her hunger to learn didnt stop upon graduation from college. In addition, these organic dates can also be pressed into syrup and blended into smoothies. This is the case with these two varieties of date fruits too. Thanks for checking it out and commenting , Your email address will not be published. * The white coating you may see on dates is actually sugar that has made its way to the surface of the fruit and is crystalizing. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. Julia W. Klee (Judi) began her journey enjoying all things food in elementary school when she started preparing meals for her family. It is perfectly fine to eat. Their skin is wrinkled and the color has turned dark brown. Parmesan Cheese + Walnuts or Almonds She has taught nutrition and related courses at the college level to pre-nursing and exercise science students. It is highly recommended that they be stored in an airtight (or vacuum sealed) container in the refrigerator or freezer for extended life. In this case, cultivating Medjool dates takes a bit longer than cultivated Noor Deglet Dates are thus a bit more towards the higher end in comparison. With a little sampling and a discerning palate, who knows? Add a pinch of cinnamon and blend until smooth. So, if you see a whitish coating on the skin of the dates, its most likely crystalized sugar and not mold. Extremely sweet and soft, Barhi dates taste like a luscious candy, and as such are mostly reserved for straight snacking. 
When comparing gram per gram, the nutritional differences are considered to be negligible. They are soft and will melt in your mouth. So, when using Medjool dates, be sure to remove the pit if it has not already been removed by the producer. Dates are usually found in packages in the dried food section of most grocery stores. Now, back to dates. Deglets are subtler in sweetness and a little nutty in flavor, making them a great snacking datebut they also hold their texture nicely when cooked, so they're a favorite for braises and roasts. At most, the pits will need to be removed if you purchased dates that were not pitted. Orange + Sesame Seeds They can be tough to find in stores because they're quite fragile and can collapse during shipment, but if you live in California, you can likely find them at their most moist at farmers markets in the late summer or early fall. Botanists who first discovered it assigned the scientific name of Phoenix dactylifera. Cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, parsley, salt, vanilla, Foods That Go Well with Dates Uses in Cooking Such markers (like interleukin 6) are associated with a greater risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers disease. As they ripen, their skin turns brown and wrinkles develop as moisture leaves the fruit. * If your dates have become dry and hard, soak them for 5 minutes in hot water. So, if you enjoy something sweet once in a while, indulging in a few dates, especially after a meal, should not cause a large spike in blood sugar.
Noor Deglet Dates, on the other hand, have a comparatively less sweet flavor profile and are thought of as a bit less of a condiment and more so incorporated in whole dishes. When comparing a nutritional analysis of three Deglet Noor dates with one Medjool date, none of which were pitted, the weight was close, with the Deglet Noor dates weighing 21 grams and the Medjool date weighing 24 grams. If you have a well-stocked pantry, you probably have a brown sugar substitute. They almost melt in your mouth. 
Zucchini Caesar Is the (Almost) No-Cook Meal of My Summer. What is the white stuff on dates? To revisit this recipe, visit My Account, thenView saved recipes. They also provide a good source of fiber, potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, niacin, pantothenic acid, Vitamin B6, iron, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, lutein and zeaxanthin. There are many varieties of dates, but the most popular are the Medjool and Deglet Noor dates. Pit vs No Pit Wondering how to store eggplant so it stays fresh and spot-free? While one might consider Medjool dates as having the higher calorie content, it is otherwise. * For a simple snack, split a Medjool date and add a spoonful of your favorite nut butter. They have a very sweet and rich, caramel-like flavor, and a soft, creamy yet chewy texture. Selecting Dates * Try a delicious chocolate date smoothie! Dates at this stage are still labeled as fresh.. One animal study found that mice fed food mixed with dates had significantly better memory and learning ability, and exhibited less stress-related behaviors when compared with mice that were not fed the dates. Try dates stuffed with marzipan, candied orange or lemon peel, tahini, goat or blue cheese, bacon, or nuts such as almonds, pecans, walnuts, or pistachios. Unlike its counterpart however, these dates fall under the semi-dry type in terms of its composition. Either way, harvesting and processing Deglet Noor dates is less labor-intensive than Medjool dates, so they can be sold a cheaper price. They are truly natures candy. olive), rum, sugar (any type), toffee, vinegar (esp. So, if you have a preference, it is important to read the label carefully to be sure youre getting what you need at the moment. They will soften up and can be used in a number of ways. Today, dates are also grown in the Mediterranean region, Asia, Mexico, and the United States (mostly in southern California and Arizona).
* Very few people are allergic to dates. The taste of a pitted date is similar to cashew and browned butter. Enjoy! Dates may also be helpful for reducing labor time. This can be done by moistening a paper towel with oil, then rubbing the knife blade with the oiled paper towel. #mc_embed_signup{background:transparent; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width:400px;} Joachim, David. Cooking with dates also means playing with their texture; the usually soft fruit can caramelize, char, and even melt away into a sauce depending on how you deploy them. They can be used in bakery foods such as bread, cakes and cookies. Medjool Dates: Nutrients that were slightly higher in the one Medjool date include calories, carbohydrates, sugars, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, niacin, pantothenic acid, and Vitamin B6. As dates age, they will develop crystals of sugar on their surfaces. Khalal dates will not be found in most American grocery stores because they would spoil too fast when being shipped long distance. I should have known what would happen when I asked the Epi team Slack channel about everyone's favorite date. Similar to its medjool brethren, the deglet noor dates come from the same family tree of Phoenix dactylifera.
Deglet Noor Dates: Deglet Noor dates have a firm, fairly thick flesh. @ 2019 JudiKlee.com. * Medjool dates can be stuffed with both sweet or savory fillings. They still have some moisture at this time. Date paste can be substituted for processed sugar on a 1:1 ratio.