Dates

About

About Dried Dates Dates were first cultivated as far back as 4000 BC in ancient Mesopotamia. They have been a staple of the Middle East since then and were more recently introduced to other areas of the world. Today, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iran are the top producers of dates, although they are enjoyed all over the globe in baking and cooking applications. There are numerous varieties of dates, from the sweet and firm Jumbo Medjool dates to the small and caramel-like Barhi dates. Despite their slight differences in size, texture, and taste, all dates are rich in health benefits and can easily be incorporated into your diet. 10 Uses of Dried Dates 1) Mix chopped dates into breads, bars, muffins, and other baked goods 2) Stuff dates with nuts or cheese and enjoy them as an afternoon snack 3) Blend dates with yogurt and frozen fruits for a healthy smoothie 4) Use dates in place of raisins for oatmeal-date cookies 5) Wrap pitted dates in bacon and serve them as a tasty appetizer 6) Combine dates, dried fruit, and nuts in a food processor and form them into energy squares 7) Sauté dates with garlic, ginger and other spices for a homemade date chutney 8) Accompany pork, lamb, or poultry dishes with the sweetness of dates 9) Top ice cream or frozen yogurt off with chopped dates 10) Snack on dried dates for a boost of natural energy and nutrients Health Benefits of Dates 1) A Sweet, Low-Fat Snack: Craving a sugary treat but don't want to regret it later? Dates are a natural and healthy way to satisfy a sweet tooth. There are only 24 calories per piece but they're loaded with dietary fiber and nutrients like potassium. In fact, dates contain three times as much potassium as bananas! 2) 5-A-Day Goal: It only takes five to six delicious California dates to fulfill one serving of the recommended goal for consuming at least five servings of fruit each day. In the U.S., the 5-A-Day program is now called Fruits & Veggies - More Matters but the goal is the same: to increase dai