How to Store Dates

Save the day by learning the best way to store dates!

There are so many reasons to love dates. A date is a stone fruit, which means it has a seed inside. Since the early 1500s, people have used dates in many Middle Eastern and African recipes. 

Dates have a sweet, rich, and caramelized flavor that will remind you of heavenly chocolate and toffee. They make some of the best natural sweeteners for your dishes and drinks. 

All you need is a nifty storage hack to make your dates last longer!

How to Store Dates

Keeping dates fresh is actually easy and quick. Once you know how to open dates, you’ll find it simple to do this storage method. You just need basic materials and the best dates you can find!

Ingredients

Dates

Did you know that the word “date” came from the Greek term “daktulos”, which translates to “fingers”? It actually resembles the shape of the fruit.

Dates are known for their high sugar content, which will release a more prominent taste when dried. You will surely love how rich, sweet, and saccharine they taste. 

They also come in different varieties, some of which are Medjool, Doglet Noor, and Mazafati dates. Nevertheless, dates are always guaranteed to give the best flavor, quality, and health benefits!

• A study in the Science of the Total Environment found that dates have some of the highest antioxidant contents in fruits, protecting you from different health conditions. 
• You can boost your brain function for better memory and focus while protecting yourself from brain diseases. 
• According to PharmEasy, the fiber from dates can help with digestion and metabolism.
• With its high level of antioxidants, dates can certainly support heart health by reducing your risk of getting heart problems.
• The Cleveland Clinic shared that dates may also have anti-aging effects to keep your skin glowing and radiant.

Isn’t it amazing how dates can be a great source of flavor and nutrients? Every time you enjoy dates, you’re not just satisfying your fruity cravings, but taking care of your health too!

There are many ways to add dates to your diet. They make some of the best fruits for breakfast, snacks, salads, smoothies, and desserts for a sweet and tarty treat.

With the different ways you can enjoy dates, you should definitely check out this hack to store dates for an endless supply of dates!

Directions

Remember these steps when you want to store your dates:

1. Use a knife to slice the date lengthwise.
2. Remove the seed inside. 
3. Then, set the seeds aside.
4. Store the dates in freezer bags to refrigerate or freeze. 

Does it get any easier than this?  Once you store your dates this way, you won’t run out of dates again, and your dates will never go to waste!

Tips

Buying dates

Epicurious suggested several tips when buying dates:

• The dates should look shiny and feel plump.
• It is normal for dates to have a few wrinkles. 
• Check if the dates have white spots because these are signs of aging in dates.
• Ensure that they’re not too mushy and winkled.

Drying Dates

Make your dates sweeter by learning how to dry them.

1. Soak the fresh dates in boiling water until the skin blisters. 
2. Use a sieve to filter the dates. 
3. Submerge them in cold water. 
4. Use a knife to slice the dates. 
5. Remove the seeds and set aside.
6. Arrange the fruits in the oven or dehydrator trays with the skin side down.
7. Preheat the oven or dehydrator at the lowest temperature.
8. Once dry, remove them from heat to store!

Alternative Ways to Store Dates

Does It Go Bad suggests storing dates at room temperature if you intend to use them within one to three months. On the other hand, keeping them in the fridge can extend their shelf life to a year.

Remember that the softer they feel, the sooner you need to use them. 

Aside from storing whole and fresh dates, you can also turn them into a powder or paste. You can use these to give your favorite recipes a sweet and rich flavor, texture, and aroma. 

Recommended Tools

• Knife: Slice the dates with a knife.
• Freezer bags: Store the dates in freezer bags.

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How to Use Frozen Dates

It’s easy to use frozen dates! You can pop them out of the freezer and use them directly in your recipes. Turn them into a juice, milkshake, or smoothie for a refreshing and satisfying drink. 

I also suggest using dates as natural sweeteners for beverages, baked goods, desserts, smoothies, snacks, salads, sauces, and even baby food or purees!

Whenever you want to add a touch of sweetness, consider dates, which give you a burst of flavor!

Storage Tips

• At room temperature: Fresh dates can last up to three months at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dates supposed to be refrigerated?

Yes, I suggest storing dates in airtight containers in the fridge. You can keep them in the fridge for six months to a year. However, you can also leave them at room temperature for three months.

Do dates need to be refrigerated after opening?

Once you slice or open the dates, I suggest extracting the seeds and storing them dates in the freezer. Keeping them in the freezer can make them last longer than in the fridge.

Which dates need to be refrigerated?

Soft or aging dates are best kept in the fridge to make them last up to several months to a year in the fridge. You can also store open dates in the fridge for several weeks.

How do you know if dates have gone bad?

Rotten dates are usually moldy and goopy or too shriveled. You will also smell a rancid scent that takes away their naturally sweet and pleasant aroma.