Date

Phoenix dactylifera Fruit

Date Fruit

At a Glance

  • Category Fruit

The Forktionary Angle

"Unpack the ancient superfood: from Middle Eastern culinary traditions to modern healthy eating, dates are more than just sweet."

Definition

A sweet, chewy fruit from the date palm tree, rich in natural sugars, fiber, and nutrients, commonly eaten fresh or dried.

Global Production Usage ~90% consumed as dried fruit
Natural Sugar Content ~60-70%
Shelf Life (dried, room temp) 6-12 months

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Date are:

Sweet Caramel-like Honeyed Chewy Slightly nutty

Chef’s Secret

To soften dates for easier blending or chopping, soak them in hot water or warm tea for 10-15 minutes. This also enhances their natural sweetness and makes pitting easier.

Best Substitutes

Dried Figs

in baking, similar texture
Ratio 1:1

Prunes

slightly different flavor
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

For dried dates, look for plump, shiny, and relatively soft fruits. Avoid those that are hard or shriveled excessively.

Recipes Using Date

Course Breads Quick Breads Time To Make

500 Margarita Bread

This legendary Margarita Bread recipe, a top-ten favorite for many, won Harold Freeman of Phoenix $150 in a newspaper contest years ago – and it should have been $500! Its irresistible blend of savory bread and tangy margarita flavor has created countless lifelong friendships among its devoted fans. Perfect for parties, gifts (mini foil pans are ideal!), or simply satisfying your cravings, this recipe is a must-try. Don't miss the amazing cheese spread – it's the perfect finishing touch! Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.

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Preparation Dietary Cuisine Technique

A British Classic Pan Yan Pickle

Rediscover the joy of Pan Yan Pickle! This no-cook recipe recreates a beloved British classic, lighter and tangier than Branston. Perfect for sandwiches, cheese boards, or even cheese on toast, this vibrant pickle is surprisingly easy to make. Adjust the curry powder to your liking and enjoy a taste of nostalgia with a modern twist. Makes approximately 7 (1/2 lb) jars.

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3 Steps Or Less Small Appliance Easy American

A Date With A Banana Smoothie

Start your day the healthy way with this delicious Date & Banana Smoothie! Naturally sweetened and packed with nutrients, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy mornings. Enjoy a creamy, flavorful smoothie in just minutes – the perfect blend of sweet and satisfying.

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Asian Low In Something Cuisine Preparation

Adas Polo Persian Rice With Lentils

Experience the rich flavors of Persia with this incredible Adas Polo recipe! This hearty and aromatic dish combines fluffy basmati rice, savory lentils, sweet caramelized onions, and plump raisins, all infused with warming spices. Perfect served alongside succulent chicken or lamb, or enjoyed as a satisfying vegetarian option. This easy-to-follow recipe will transport your taste buds to the heart of Iran!

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Number Of Servings Preparation Easy 15 Minutes Or Less

Almond Cow

A creamy, dreamy coffee cocktail that blends the rich nuttiness of almonds with the bold aroma of coffee. Perfect for a quick afternoon pick-me-up or a sophisticated evening treat! This 2-minute recipe is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and a cocktail shaker.

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Vegan Free Of Something Vegetarian Low In Something

Almond Milk

Creamy, dreamy homemade almond milk – a healthier, dairy-free alternative that's surprisingly easy to make! This simple recipe takes just minutes to whip up and results in a delicious, naturally sweet beverage perfect for your morning cereal, smoothies, or enjoyed on its own. Learn how to make your own fresh almond milk at home today!

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Quick Breads North American Course Beginner Cook

Amish Friendship Nut Bread On Demand

This beloved recipe uses a time-tested Amish Friendship Starter (see recipe #64793 by Kim D). Perfected over 5 years of baking, this version is a family favorite! Learn how to easily freeze your starter for up to 6 months, ensuring you always have this delicious bread on demand. Discover the secrets to a perfectly moist and flavorful nut bread, passed down through generations. Trust the old ways – this recipe is both delicious and convenient!

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Sweet Cuisine Candy Occasion

Ancient Egyptian Date Candy For 2 People

Journey back to 1600 BC with this authentic Ancient Egyptian date candy recipe! Unearthed from an ostraca, this sweet treat uses only ingredients available in the hot Egyptian climate: dates, figs, pomegranates, and grapes. This surprisingly easy recipe, made even faster with a food processor, lets you recreate a taste of history in just minutes. A delicious blend of sweet dates, warm spices, and crunchy nuts – prepare for a culinary adventure!

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Desserts Weeknight Desserts Course

Applesauce Date Cake

This wonderfully dense and moist Applesauce Date Cake is a nostalgic recipe, reminiscent of a classic fruitcake but with a delightful twist! Perfect for fall baking, this spiced cake features the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, complemented by the sweetness of dates and applesauce. A simple cream cheese frosting completes this comforting dessert, ideal for sharing with friends and family.

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Kosher Occasion Cuisine Condiments Etc

Aunt Phyllis Passover Haroset Charoset

Experience the rich, complex flavors of Aunt Phyllis' traditional Sephardic haroset! This Passover staple is bursting with delicious sweetness and texture, perfect for your Seder plate. Made with [list key ingredients here, e.g., dates, apples, and walnuts], this recipe is easy to follow and will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Prepare to impress your family and guests with this unforgettable haroset recipe.

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Main Ingredient Course Fruit Dietary

Avocado And Berry Pudding Raw Food

Indulge in this vibrant and refreshing Avocado & Berry Raw Pudding! This 5-minute recipe (adapted from the 2004 cookbook "Raw Foods for Busy People") is perfect for a quick and healthy dessert or snack. Creamy avocado blends seamlessly with sweet berries for a naturally delicious treat that's both vegan and gluten-free.

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Preparation Preparation Time To Make Dietary

Bacon Wrapped Dates With Almonds

Prepare for a flavor explosion! These Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Almonds are the star of any party, disappearing faster than you can say 'sweet, salty, smoky.' A surprising and delightful combination of sweet Medjool dates, crunchy almonds, and crispy bacon, these bites are irresistible. Guests will rave about this addictive appetizer – order extra! Perfect for prepping ahead, freezing, and baking fresh just before your gathering. Don't miss out on this crowd-pleasing recipe!

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American Presentation Sweet Course

Banana Bread Mans Banana Bread

A Key West legend comes to your kitchen! This recipe, inspired by the infamous Banana Man himself, delivers the most decadent, moist, and flavorful banana bread you'll ever taste. Made with real butter, ripe bananas, and a hint of rum, this special treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Get ready to experience banana bread bliss!

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North American Nuts Dietary Inexpensive

Banana Cookies With Dates And Nuts

Transform overripe bananas into heavenly, chewy cookies! This easy recipe combines the sweetness of bananas and dates with a delightful crunch of nuts (optional). The aroma alone is worth baking them – perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a delicious addition to your next bake sale. These cookies store beautifully in the fridge, ensuring you can enjoy them for days.

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Cuisine Oven 3 Steps Or Less To Go

Banana Morning Glory Muffins Cooking Light

Indulge in these unbelievably delicious and healthy Banana Morning Glory Muffins, adapted from Cooking Light Magazine (July 2007)! These muffins are bursting with flavor from ripe bananas, juicy pineapple, crunchy walnuts, and chewy dates. Perfect for a quick and nutritious breakfast or snack, they're also incredibly versatile – feel free to experiment with substitutions! Plus, they freeze beautifully – grab one from the freezer for a ready-to-eat treat in just an hour. This recipe is a must-try for busy mornings and healthy snacking.

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Healthy 2 Equipment Main Ingredient Course

Banana Nut Granola

This homemade Banana Nut Granola recipe is a delightful and healthy breakfast or snack option! Packed with the sweetness of bananas and dates, crunchy nuts, and wholesome oats, this granola is incredibly easy to make and tastes far superior to store-bought versions. Perfect for busy mornings or a nutritious afternoon treat. Customize it with your favorite nuts and seeds!

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Low Carb African Course Poultry

Chicken With Dates And Moroccan Spices

Experience a taste of Marrakech with this succulent Chicken with Dates and Moroccan Spices recipe! Tender chicken pieces are braised to perfection in a rich, fragrant sauce of warming spices, sweet Medjool dates, and zesty lemon. Served alongside fluffy couscous to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal.

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Oven Pasta Rice And Grains Course Quick Breads

Sugar Free Date Nut Muffins

Indulge in these guilt-free Sugar-Free Date Nut Muffins! Naturally sweetened with dates, these muffins are incredibly moist, packed with nutty flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for breakfast, a healthy snack, or dessert, they're a delightful treat that won't derail your healthy eating goals. Get ready to enjoy a muffin that's both delicious and nutritious!

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