       Recipes > Recipe Archive > Dates 
Delectable dates are the newest addition to Earthbound Farm’s collection of premium organic dried fruits. With a history stretching back 8,000 years to the ancient gardens of Babylonia, the date has long been nature’s answer to our sweet tooth. Date palms are native to the Middle East and thrive in hot desert climates, where, according to an Arabic proverb, they grow with their “heads in fire and their feet in water.” In antiquity, the prolifically fruiting date palm was revered as the tree of life. Every part of the tree was put to use: fruit, sap (which was brewed into wine); fibers for thread, rope and baskets, and even the pits, which were used as fuel or fodder. Introduced to the New World by the Spanish, date palms flourish today in the arid regions of California and Arizona. Although there are numerous varieties of dates, each with its own distinctive taste, texture and size, the two most popular varieties in the United States are Deglet Noor and Medjool. Deglet Noors are a semi-dry date with a light golden brown color. They represent about 95 percent of the commercial production in this country and are readily available in markets. Medjools, on the other hand, are generally sold as fresh fruit, and are often only available in specialty stores. They are the largest of the date varietals, with a very dark brown color, tender skin, and soft, moist flesh. Dates are extremely nutritious and contain more natural sugar than any other fruit. Fresh dates contain about 55 percent sugar, which increases dramatically as the fruit dries. As a rule, dates with soft, moist flesh are lower in sugar content; Deglets, with their firmer texture and moderate moisture have more concentrated sugar, making them the ideal choice for baking. Dates are one of the rare fruits that contain virtually no vitamin C, although they are a good source of potassium, iron and dietary fiber. Fresh dates are available from September to early winter in specialty markets. When purchasing fresh dates, look for smooth, glossy skins and plump fruit. At home, store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Fresh dates can ferment and sour if left at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them in air-tight packets and thaw before using. Dried dates are sold year-round packaged with or without pits. Store dried fruit in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months, or refrigerate for uo to a year. If you see a white bloom on the skin of your dates, this is a sign that the date is drying, causing the natural sugars to rise to the surface; however, this does not affect the flavor of the fruit. To re-hydrate the dates, simply steam them for 10 minutes, or place on a baking tray covered with a wet towel, and heat at 250 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes. At Earthbound Farm, we’ve selected the finest organic Delget Noor dates, tree-ripened without preservatives, and packaged them in convenient re-sealable 6-ounce bags. Moist, chewy and sweet, they make a healthy on-the-go snack or a delicious addition to salads and baked goods. Dates are very versatile and can be substituted for other dried fruits in baked goods. To make quick hors d’oeuvres, stuff fresh dates with nuts, foie gras, almond paste or soft cheese. Or, for a surprisingly delicious party favorite, wrap dates with a strip of bacon and broil until the bacon is crisp. TIP: To chop or slice dates, snip with scissors or cut with a knife. If they are excessively sticky, freeze the dates for 45 minutes to firm them before preparing. Alternately, if chopped dates will be incorporated into a baked treat, you can dust them lightly with flour to help minimize sticking as you slice.
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