Dates occupy a special place in cooking - they are widely used in any food system and in the cuisines of most countries of the world. Therefore, the question of how and how much they are stored is quite relevant.
Dates are known for their sweet taste and soft, juicy texture. These large fruits are available all year round because they are dried for long storage.
Large, meaty dates can be used in a variety of recipes, from sweets to meat dishes. You can add them to breads, rolls, cakes and cookies, or stuff them with brie or goat cheese and bake them. While most dates can be used chopped, larger whole fruits are more popular. Their attractive shape allows them to be used for appetizers, stuffed with cream cheese or peanut butter. These ripe fruits have a short shelf life due to their high sugar content. Dried dates can last longer than fresh dates, but their taste changes noticeably.
How to keep dates fresh
If you purchased these juicy fruits fresh, but want to consume them later, you should follow a few simple guidelines.
Place the dates in an airtight container and set aside at room temperature. They can be kept like this for up to a week. You can move the container with them to the refrigerator for storage for up to six months.
Alternatively, you can place the dates in an airtight container in the freezer if you want to keep them for a long time. This will allow them to remain usable for 12 months.
Defrosting dates is easy - just a few hours at room temperature. You can microwave them for 30 seconds if sugar crystals form on the outside after thawing. Repeat heating until crystals dissolve. Do not microwave dates to high temperatures, as the sugar in them will burn and change their taste.
If you need to preserve dried dates
Dried dates must also be stored properly to ensure freshness and maximum aroma.
Place the dried fruit in a plastic food storage container and close the lid as tightly as possible. Press down firmly to ensure a tight seal. Write the packing date on a piece of paper and tape it to the container with tape or tape.
Store dried dates in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, such as in a closet or closet. In such conditions, they can lie for up to six months. If you wish, you can place them in the refrigerator, where they will be stored for up to one year.
