Food Lens · Produce
Dates
Deeply sweet with caramel and honey notes, and a dense, chewy, slightly sticky texture.
Lens analyzedDates are the sweet, chewy fruit of the date palm, sold fresh or, more commonly in North American stores, dried or semi-dried. Their concentrated natural sugar makes them a common addition to baked goods, energy bars, and dishes wanting sweetness without refined sugar.
Where it comes from
Dates have been cultivated across the Middle East and North Africa for thousands of years, forming a staple food in desert regions where the date palm thrives, and they remain especially significant in Middle Eastern cuisine and traditions.
Buying it
Choose dates that look plump and slightly glossy rather than dry, cracked, or crystallized with sugar on the surface. Medjool dates are larger and softer, while Deglet Noor dates are firmer and less sweet.
Storing it
Store dates in a sealed container in the pantry for shorter-term use, or refrigerate or freeze them to extend freshness and prevent them from drying out further.
Keeps about 6 months in the pantry.
In season
Peak season is September–December, though it's available year-round.
Fresh dates peak in fall, while dried and semi-dried dates keep them available year-round.
Recipes that use dates
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