Dates are fruits with numerous beneficial properties. Their sweet flavor makes them a great alternative to sugar for sweetening smoothies and desserts. Dates are much tastier when they are soft and juicy, so storing them well is vital. If you intend to eat them within a few days, you can keep them at room temperature in a closed container. If, on the other hand, you want them to last a long time, put them in the refrigerator: they will also keep for a year. If you've bought them in large quantities or if you already know you won't be using them for a few months, you can put them in the freezer.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Save Dates for Immediate Use
Step 1. Put them in an airtight container
You can use a normal glass or plastic food container.
Alternatively, you can put them in a sealable food bag. Squeeze it to let out as much air as possible before closing it
Step 2. Keep them at room temperature whether the dates are dry or semi-dry
Place the container in the pantry or leave it in plain sight on the kitchen worktop to remind you to eat them. Make sure they are out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources (such as the oven, radiators and stoves).
In stores you can find soft, semi-dry or dried dates. Dry ones are the most common
Step 3. Store soft dates in the refrigerator
Unlike the semi-dry or dry ones, the soft ones have not been treated. To preserve their taste and freshness, put them in the refrigerator.
Generally the best dates are those that come from Israel; they are big, dark, soft and very sweet
Step 4. Eat them within a week to enjoy them at their best
In fact, they will not go bad after just one week, in truth they can last up to a month, but they will lose flavor. If you have decided to store them at room temperature, it is best to eat them within a few days.
- Over time, dates will lose moisture and small white spots may form under the skin. Don't worry, these are sugar crystals; if you want, you can melt them at a low temperature.
- If you notice that dates have a strange smell, color or taste, they have gone bad, so throw them away.
Step 5. Put them in the refrigerator to keep them up to a year
Depending on your needs, you can keep them in the refrigerator and consume them within twelve months. You can enjoy them when you prefer, knowing that they have kept their flavor intact.
Dried and semi-dried dates keep good and fresh longer than soft ones
Method 2 of 2: Freeze Dates for Future Use
Step 1. Place the dates in a food bag
Before sealing it, squeeze it to let out as much air as possible. If you prefer, you can use an airtight glass or plastic container. As they will increase in volume in the freezer, leave an inch of empty space at the top of the container.
Step 2. Place the bag in the freezer
Place them in the area where the temperature is lowest to freeze them as quickly as possible, so that they retain all their taste and freshness. Storing dates in the freezer is the best choice if you already know that you will not use them for several months (for example on holidays) or if you are not sure when you might need them.
Step 3. Take them out of the freezer three hours before using them
They must have time to defrost before they can be eaten or used in the kitchen. Their flavor shouldn't have changed in the slightest since the day you bought them.
If you're in a hurry and need to use them right away, soak them in hot water. They should soften and be ready to use within half an hour
Step 4. Store them in the freezer for up to three years
Dried fruit, such as dates, can last for many years if sealed properly. Be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent cold burns.
If when you are ready to use them you notice that they have a strange smell, color or taste, it means that they have gone bad
Step 5. Finished
Advice
- Dates contain many vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese and vitamin B6. They are also a good source of fiber.
- Thanks to their high fiber content, dates promote digestion and can relieve constipation.
