More than just snacks: Dates are really so versatile
Dates – small, unassuming fruits with a millennia-old history, packed with natural sweetness, energy, and plenty of tradition. Whether in smoothies, as a snack, or in oriental dishes, dates are currently experiencing a real comeback in our kitchens. But not all dates are the same – two varieties in particular stand out: Medjool and Deglet Nour .
In this article, we take a sweet look at the history of dates, curious facts, and give you a few simple but ingenious recipes.
A fruit with history
The date palm ( Phoenix dactylifera ) is one of humanity's oldest cultivated plants – archaeological finds date its cultivation back over 6,000 years . Dates probably originated in the region around the Persian Gulf. They were already revered as the "fruit of life" in ancient Egypt, and in Mesopotamia they were considered a staple food.
Dates were not only edible but were also used as currency, in medicinal recipes, and in spiritual ceremonies. Their significance remains high today—especially in Islam, where they are traditionally eaten to break the fast during Ramadan.
Medjool vs. Deglet Nour: The superstars in comparison
|
Variety |
The taste |
consistency |
Origin |
Ideal for |
|
Medjool |
Caramelly, intense |
Very soft |
Morocco, Israel, California |
Snacks, desserts |
|
Deglet Nour |
Mild, nutty |
Fester |
Tunisia, Algeria |
Baking, cooking |
Medjool dates are often called the "queen of dates." They are large, fleshy, and extremely juicy.
Deglet Nour , on the other hand, translates as "finger of light" – its golden color almost glows when held up to the light.
Curious facts about dates
Calorie miracle : Dates contain a lot of natural sugar – but no processed sugar. Ideal as an energy boost during exercise or as a healthy snack.
· Old love letters... on date leaves: In ancient times, date palms were valued not only for their fruit – the leaves were used to make scrolls, fans, baskets, and even paper substitutes. In some cultures, lovers wrote little messages on palm leaves – the "WhatsApp" of the ancient world, so to speak.
Date kernels – little powerhouses: Date kernels aren't thrown away – they can be roasted, processed into flour, or even used as a coffee substitute. Date coffee, so-called, is caffeine-free and has a slightly chocolatey, nutty flavor.
· World record: The world's most expensive dates: A special variety called Ajwa dates from Saudi Arabia is considered sacred and is sometimes sold there for several hundred euros per kilo – especially during the pilgrimage season. According to tradition, they were eaten by the Prophet Muhammad himself.
In space travel : Astronauts took dates into space as space-saving energy sources!
Sweet substitute : Dates are a popular substitute for sugar in vegan and clean eating recipes – e.g. as date syrup or date paste.
Date recipes to try
1. Stuffed Medjool Dates with Cream Cheese & Walnuts
Ingredients :
- 10 Medjool dates
- 100 g cream cheese
- 1 handful of walnuts
- Optional: some honey, cinnamon or chili
Preparation : Pit the dates and carefully open them. Fill with cream cheese and top with chopped walnuts. Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with cinnamon/chili, if desired. Perfect as finger food or a sophisticated snack!
2. Oriental couscous with dates & almonds
Ingredients :
- 200 g couscous
- 300 ml vegetable stock
- 1 onion
- 50 g Deglet Nour dates (chopped)
- 1 handful of almonds (roasted)
- Spices: cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, pepper
- Fresh mint & lemon juice
Preparation : Pour hot broth over the couscous and let it swell. Sauté the onion, dates, and spices in a pan, then mix with the couscous. Garnish with almonds, mint, and lemon juice. Enjoy warm or cold.
How do you eat dates in…? – A culinary journey
Morocco:
Filled with almonds, soaked in rose water or as part of Harira (the traditional fasting soup during Ramadan).
Iran:
Finely chopped in “Shirin Polo” – a festive saffron rice with dates, orange and pistachio strips.
Tunisia & Algeria:
Deglet Nour dates are a national pride! They are often eaten with butter or used in sweet pastries like makroud.
Saudi Arabia:
Ajwa dates are considered sacred – often eaten plain or with Arabic coffee (Qahwa) flavored with cardamom.
Germany:
The classics: Dates wrapped in bacon (a finger food hit) or in an Advent plate between dried figs and nuts.
USA:
Popular as a natural sweetener in vegan brownies, bliss balls, and date shakes—especially in California, where many Medjool dates grow.
More Date Hacks – For Cooking, Storage & Enjoyment
Refreshing dry dates:
If your dates have hardened, soak them in warm water for 10–15 minutes or steam them lightly over boiling water. They'll be soft and juicy again.
Freezing dates? No problem!
Yes, you can freeze dates! Medjool dates, in particular, are easy to portion and thaw as needed—this way, they stay fresh for months without drying out.
Pitting without making a mess:
Simply cut it lengthwise with a sharp knife and use a spoon handle to scoop out the core – cleaner than using your fingers!
Make your own date sweet:
Blend with a little water to make a creamy date paste—perfect for sweetening yogurt, oatmeal, baked goods, or smoothies. 1 tablespoon of date paste ≈ 1 tablespoon of sugar substitute.
Roasting date coffee yourself:
Wash date kernels thoroughly, let them dry, roast them, and then grind them – this produces a caffeine-free, slightly caramelized coffee substitute.
Why do dates sometimes turn white? Is it mold?
Don't worry—in most cases, this is n't mold , but completely natural! The white layer that forms on the surface is crystallized fructose . Dates contain a lot of natural sugar, which can be broken down by prolonged storage or temperature changes (e.g., freezing). B. from the refrigerator to the kitchen ) migrates to the surface and crystallizes there.
What to do?
The dates are still edible. If necessary, you can rinse them briefly with warm water or heat them slightly to dissolve the crystals again.
Conclusion: Small fruit, big impact
Dates are not only delicious, they're also a true superfood. Medjool and Deglet Nour, in particular, offer an exciting variety of flavors and culinary uses—whether plain, stuffed, in smoothies, or as a baking ingredient.
Anyone who has ever experienced the velvety sweetness of a Medjool date or the gentle nutty aroma of a Deglet Nour will quickly understand why these fruits have been so valued for thousands of years.
