Dates are one of the oldest fruits on record, with some varieties dating back to biblical times. They’re ideal for snacking, baking, and adding to trail mix.
Dates are dry fruit, which means they contain little to no water. As such, they can last for up to 2 years if packaged and stored properly.
Keep reading to learn about the shelf life of dates, what they are, how to tell if they’re bad, and how to preserve them properly.
What Are Dates?
Dates are dried fruit that comes from the date palm tree, which is native to the Middle East and North Africa. They are a staple food in many countries, and people have been eating them for thousands of years.
Dates are very sweet and you can eat them raw or use them as an ingredient in many traditional dishes, including desserts and salads. You can also use them to make beverages such as date beer and even alcoholic drinks.
The reason why dates are so popular is that they contain many vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and magnesium. They also contain several antioxidants that may help prevent diseases like cancer and heart disease.
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How Long Do Dates Last?
The shelf life of dates depends on a variety of factors, such as the preparation method and how you store them. In general, dates will last for about 1-3 months if you store them properly at room temperature.
If you want to make your dates last longer, keep them in the refrigerator where they’ll last for 6-12 months, or in the freezer where they’ll last for 1-2 years.
To maximize the shelf life of your dates, remove them from their original packaging and store them in an airtight container.
SEE: How Long You Can Keep Your Foods Safe and Fresh
How to Tell Dates Are Bad
Check the expiration date
When trying to tell if your dates are bad, the first thing to do is check their expiration date. If there’s no expiration date on the back of the package, then keep reading for more ways to tell if your dates are bad.
Check for mold
Mold is one of the most obvious signs of bad dates. If there is any visible mold on the surface of the date or in its container, discard it immediately. Also, if you notice some moldy areas inside the fruit after cutting it open, throw it away immediately.
Smell them
Another great way to tell if your fruits are bad is by their smell. If the fruits smell spoiled or moldy, then it’s time to throw them in the trash. If there’s no odor or unusual smell, then you can proceed with the next test.
Check for bruises
Bruises on a date fruit mean that its shelf life has ended, and you should throw it away immediately. This is because bruises are signs that something has happened to the fruit before processing and packaging.
Taste the fruit
Take a date fruit from the package and taste it; if it tastes good, then the date fruit is fresh. If it tastes sour or rancid, then the date fruit is not fresh anymore and may have been infected with bacteria. Throw the entire package away and wash your hands immediately to prevent food poisoning.
SEE: Here’s How to Stop Food Spoilage and Food Poisoning
How to Preserve Dates
Store in a cool, dry place
Store your fruits in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat sources such as kitchen appliances. If you keep the fruits in a warm or humid room, then they will spoil more quickly.
Refrigerate them
You can also refrigerate your dates if you’d like to keep them fresh for longer than 3 months but don’t want to freeze them. Simply place the fruits in an airtight container or bag and then store them in your refrigerator until ready for use again.
Freeze them
The best way to freeze dates is by placing them into an airtight container or freezer bag and placing them in your freezer. The process only takes about 10 minutes. To thaw, simply remove them from the freezer and place them on a plate at room temperature.
Dry them
This is probably the most common method used by people living near deserts or areas with low humidity levels. In this method, you place your date fruits on a large tray, cover with a muslin cloth, and leave them under direct sunlight for about seven days.
Put the dried fruits in an airtight container, then store them in the pantry until ready to use.
FAQs
Are dates nutritious?
Yes, they are. Dates contain a high concentration of natural sugars, which makes them a great source of energy. They also contain fiber and minerals such as potassium, iron, and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining a healthy body weight.
What are candied dates?
Candied dates are dates that have been coated with a solution of butter, sugar, milk, and honey. They’re delicious on their own and can be used as an ingredient in desserts like cakes or cookies.
Can you use dates as a substitute for sugar?
Yes, you can. Dates are naturally sweet, so you can use them as a substitute for sugar in any recipe that calls for the latter. You can also use them as a substitute for natural sweeteners like honey, agave nectar, molasses, and maple syrup.
Conclusion
Dates can stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 months and in the refrigerator for up to 12 months. If you want to keep your date fruits fresh and usable for longer (about 2 years), store them in your freezer.
The best way to tell if dates have gone bad is by looking at them closely and smelling them. If there are any signs of mold or if they smell bad, then throw them away immediately.
Thanks for reading.
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