what kind of food is a date

Dates are a fruit that come from the date palm tree, which is native to the Middle East, although they are also now grown in the Mediterranean, Asia, the USA and Mexico.

How to Cook With Dates

Fresh dates are delicious eaten just as they are, with a cup of coffee or mug of tea alongside to cut the sweetness. That said, there are many other ways to enjoy them, from savory appetizers to sweet desserts. Before any type of preparation, though, you first need to remove the pits. Simply slice the date lengthwise and the pit will easily pop out.

Fresh dates can be sliced in half and placed on top of toast that has been spread with honeyed ricotta cheese, or the fruit can be chopped up and sprinkled over ice cream. You can also serve them pitted and stuffed with blue cheese as a simple appetizer, or as part of a tagine, the Moroccan slow-cooked stew. Or, of course, dates play a big role in baked goods, adding sweetness and texture to cakes, breads, and cookies.

Dried dates can also be eaten as is as a snack, or you can chop and toss into salads or sprinkle on top of hot oatmeal. You can also blend them into a smoothie—they just need to be soaked in hot water for 10 minutes to reconstitute first.

What Do They Taste Like?

If youve never had a freshly harvested date, they are worth seeking out for their insanely sweet, caramel-like taste and—this is where they differ most from dried dates—their soft, downright luscious texture. Because the sugar becomes more concentrated as the fruit dries, dried dates are much sweeter than fresh, and have a tougher, chewier texture.

Dr Joe Schwarcz: The benefits of dates

FAQ

What category of food is a date?

What do dates taste like?

Are dates healthy to eat?

What are dates before they are dried?

What can you eat with dates?

Dates are great as quick toppings to things like yogurt or ice cream, as well as more savory applications, like salads or marinated ricotta cheese (also great on a meat and cheese board ).

Are dates good to eat?

Dates are a great food. They have antioxidant properties, large amounts of fiber, and healthy fats. They help take care of the health of the brain, skin, and heart and control blood sugar levels.

Why do people eat dates?

Dates are used in cooking and in baking as a sweetener, but also for their nutrients, and often simply snacked on raw. In fact, in many cultures, it’s common for a plate of dates, nuts, and other dried fruit to be a permanent fixture on the table, no matter the day or occasion. Get the recipe: Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake

How do you eat fresh dates?

Before any type of preparation, though, you first need to remove the pits. Simply slice the date lengthwise and the pit will easily pop out. Fresh dates can be sliced in half and placed on top of toast that has been spread with honeyed ricotta cheese, or the fruit can be chopped up and sprinkled over ice cream.