How Dates Went From Luxe Food To Superfood

You won't ditch this date!

By Team Foodstories

5-Minutes Read

Picture this: a plump, caramel-hued date, brimming with natural sweetness, ready to grace your palate. These little wonders aren't just any dates, they're Medjool dates; the crème de la crème of the date kingdom.

The dates aren’t just deemed prized because of their size but its labour-intensive cultivation process. It takes about seven years for the palm trees to start producing fruits. The farmer climbs these trees (that grow as high as 50 feet) to gently harvest the dates, carefully picking a few at a time. From there, the dates are then cleaned, sorted, and packed without any additional processing.

Medjool dates are larger than your typical date, with glossy, reddish-brown flesh that sets it apart from other dates. Biting into the soft and chewy flesh reminds us of the sheer delight of eating melt-in-your-mouth caramel candy but with subtle notes of cinnamon and honey.

The dates are believed to be native to Morocco, where they were reserved for Moroccan royalty and their guests to feast on after an arduous journey through the desert. Medjool dates originally served as energy boosters due to their high carbohydrate content and easy portability. Even today, they are the go-to healthy snack owing to its impressive nutritional profile. Packed with protein, fibre and antioxidants, the Mejdool date has achieved superfood status.

You’ll find Medjool dates in Middle Eastern dishes such as tagine, creating an irresistible blend of savoury and sweet or next to varied cheeses or meats on a charcuterie board. Baking enthusiasts have also welcomed them in their pantries as a substitute to sugar in cookies, energy bars, and cakes.

The journey of Medjool dates from a luxurious indulgence to a superfood is not just a culinary evolution, but a testament to our changing times. As we become more health conscious, the demand for natural, nutrient-rich foods will increase. With this shift, Medjool dates are on the rise as snacking superheroes. So, as you savour a Medjool date, remember that you’re also participating in a larger narrative where tradition and modern wellness align to create a healthier, more delicious world.

5 Vegan & Gluten-Free Snack Recipes To Make With Dates

Sweet & Smart: A Guide To Low GI Fruits For A Better You

By Team Foodstories

5 Vegan & Gluten-Free Snack Recipes To Make With Dates

By Team Foodstories

Whether you're in need of a quick pick-me-up, or simply seeking healthy swaps to indulge your sweet tooth, it's time to turn these dates into your new go-to superfood snack!

Almond Butter-Stuffed Dates
First up in the treasure trove of health-conscious snacks are almond butter-stuffed Medjool dates. To create these bite-sized wonders, you'll need a handful of Medjool dates, pitted and ready for stuffing. Slice them open just enough to create a pocket for the almond butter. Gently spoon in a dollop of smooth, silky almond butter which creates a velvety and nutty contrast to the Medjool date's natural tenderness and sweet taste.

Medjool Date Snickers
These dates create the perfect base for a healthier spin on the classic candy bar. To create these delights, halve your Medjool dates to reveal their sweet, caramel-like interior. Fill each bite with your preferred nut butter. Then, coat them with nuts for an added crunch and of course, some vegan chocolate. Pop these in the fridge for about an hour and voilà! Your healthy, guilt-free snack is ready!

Trail Mix
This is one of those no-stress snacks that keep you going during outdoor adventures. All you need to do is take a generous handful of your favourite dried fruits, nuts and seeds and mix them with bite-sized pieces of Medjool dates to add a chewy bite. When combined, they become a powerhouse of flavour and sustenance.

Bliss Balls
To prepare a batch, add the Medjool dates to a food processor with some oats and your preferred nut butter for a layer of creaminess. Shape the blended mixture into small balls and coat it with crushed nuts or shredded coconut to add another depth of texture. Pop them in the fridge to firm them up and enjoy.

Smoothie
Utilise the caramel-like flavour to add a nutritional punch to any dish or drink. Blend together bananas, almond milk, some berries, nut butter, fresh greens, and a dash of cinnamon with fresh dates.