How to Store Fresh Dates?
Dates are just one of the kitchen area staples that deserve the limelight. They are naturally pleasant and tasty, with a caramel-like flavour that can fix your yearning for dessert when consumed. You can also get creative with the fruits as they couple well with mouthwatering recipes like bacon-wrapped dates and various other decadent treats. They are also an exceptional alternative to sugar in baked goods like date cookie bars, muffins, and cakes.
With fresh and dried ranges at the food store, you may question how long dates last and which form of dates would be better for daily food preparation. Before stocking up on boxes or bags of dates, learn the 3 best ways to store dates.
Dates’ shelf life can vary depending on their type and time of purchase. Fresh dates do not last as long as dried-out dates because the latter has much less dampness and a greater sugar concentration. Usually speaking, fresh dates don’t last as long as semi-dried or dried dates.
How to Store Dates?
Like several fruits, dates are best enjoyed fresh, yet can be enjoyed for many years if they are stored properly. So, how to store dates in different scenarios?
Also read: How dates are grown?
Room Temperature
A lot of semi-dry date varieties can be kept at room temperature level for a minimum of a month or two. The dates should be secured in an impermeable container or jar to secure their flavours and placed in a dry place. Home cupboards and dark kitchen cabinets are ideal choices. However, make sure they are kept away from warm resources.
Refrigerated Dates
If stored effectively in a fridge, dates can last from 6 months to a year as the cooler temperature levels make sure that flavours are preserved for as long as feasible. It’s worth checking that the fridge temperature level goes to or below 40° F ( 4° C ), which is the time that the days are stored in a secured container to secure against odours and condensation.
Frozen Dates
Cold is advised if intending to save dates for a couple of years. Ensure that you utilize a fridge freezer bag (environmentally friendly, ideally); however, put in the time to gently eliminate all the air inside before sealing it and placing it in the freezer where the temperature should be 0° F (-18° C). The fruits ice up well thanks to their high sugar web content. Prior to taking in, the dates ought to be defrosted at room temperature.
Dates can retain their preference and texture for a very long time. However, you will recognize that the fruit has deteriorated with the appearance of mold, small bugs, or a solid, offensive fragrance. However, don’t fret if you see white areas or a thin film layer gradually in your dates; these are triggered by sugar crystals slowly relocating to the surface area.
How to tell if Dates are spoiled?
Change in Flavor
Dates are naturally sweet and tasty with caramel-like tastes. When they taste acidic or bitter, they may be ruined. You can tell they have gone bad when they have a fermented or alcoholic scent or a repulsive smell that does not scent like fresh days.
Change in Color
When you discover a change in the shade on both the inside and outside of the date, whether they end up being blemished or darker, these are indicators that the dates have actually been ruined.
Mold and mildew Growth
Dates have a lower water content than other fruits, and semi-dried dates have also much less water. The chance of mold growing on days is less than on other fruit and vegetables, but when you see the fuzzy mold growing on the fruits’ skin, don’t be reluctant to toss them away.
Slimed Texture
Dates are normally sticky due to their high sugar content, but when they look slimy, you are not required to take a 2nd hunch in placing them in the compost container.
