Dried dates have a high nutritional value. They are full of valuable minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron. It should not be forgotten that they also have a high content of vitamins A and B. Their consumption provides quick energy, which does not leave extra pounds, due to the simple sugars - glucose and fructose contained in them.
Nowadays, however, dates sold in stores are treated with sulfur dioxide and sulfites to give them a beautiful fresh color and to protect them from bacterial growth. Very often they are additionally processed with sugar, but mainly with glucose-fructose syrups. This, in turn, leads to a number of problems that weigh in a negative direction and make the beneficial effect of their consumption insignificant.
It is for this reason that homemade prepared dried dates are preferable to those in the shop. Oriental fruit may not look like the ones from the store, but you will be reassured that you are eating a quality and healthy product without putting your body to the test.
There are three ways to dry dates - in the sun, in an oven or in a dehydrator.
In the sun
The fruit are arranged on paper or strung and left to dry in the sun. To protect them from insects and dust, you can cover them with cheesecloth. When ready, scald the dried fruit for no more than 3 seconds in boiling water to ensure they are free of larvae and bugs. Then dry them again on low heat in the oven for 30 minutes.
In the oven
Arrange the fruit on baking paper placed in a tray and dry them at 80-90°C. Be careful not to burn (bake) them, by checking and stirring every 15 minutes with a wooden spoon.
In a dehydrator
The most effective way is to dry dates is in a dehydrator. That way they don't get dusty and there's no danger of burning them.
You can store the finished dried fruit in jars with tight-fitting lids or paper bags.
If you have dried dates on hand, we recommend making one of our recipes for:
- energy bars;
- raw cake;
- or protein shake;
