Dates are a nutritious and delicious fruit, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are a staple food in many cultures, and are often used in baking and cooking, as well as eaten as a snack. However, if you don’t like the taste or texture of dates, it can be difficult to find ways to incorporate them into your diet.
In this post, we will explore some strategies and recipes for eating dates, even if you don’t like them.
Ways to Eat Dates When You Don’t Like Them
Here are 9 different options for eating dates that might help you if you don’t like the taste of them!
1) Try different varieties
One of the most popular ways to consume dates is to just eat them raw. (See Can You Eat Dates Raw?) If you didn’t like one type of date, keep in mind the flavor and texture of dates can vary widely depending on the variety. Some dates are softer and sweeter, while others are drier and chewier. If you don’t like the taste or texture of one variety, try another.
Medjool dates are one of the most popular and widely available varieties, but there are many others to choose from, including Deglet Noor, Zahidi, and Khadrawy. Look for different varieties at your local grocery store or online, and experiment to find the one that you like best.
(See Most Popular Types of Date Fruits)
2) Incorporate dates into recipes
One of the easiest ways to eat dates is to incorporate them into recipes that you already enjoy. Dates can be used as a natural sweetener in baking, and can add a rich, caramel-like flavor to many dishes.
Try adding chopped dates to oatmeal, smoothies, or yogurt, or use them to sweeten muffins, cookies, or energy bars. Dates can also be used in savory dishes, such as stews or tagines, where they can add sweetness and depth of flavor.
3) Pair dates with other flavors
If you don’t like the taste of dates on their own, try pairing them with other flavors that you enjoy. Dates can be paired with nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, or with cheese, such as goat cheese or feta.
They can also be paired with spices, such as cinnamon or cardamom, or with other fruits, such as apples or pears. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find the one that you like best.
You might even like eating dates with milk. See How to Eat Dates with Milk.
4) Make a date paste
If you don’t like the texture of dates, try making a date paste. Date paste is made by soaking dates in water, then blending them into a smooth paste. Date paste can be used as a natural sweetener in baking, or as a spread on toast or crackers. It can also be used as a base for sauces or dressings.
To make date paste, soak 1 cup of pitted dates in 1 cup of warm water for at least 30 minutes, or until the dates are soft. Drain the water, then add the dates to a blender or food processor. Blend until the dates are smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
5) Make a date caramel
If you enjoy caramel, but don’t like the added sugars and artificial flavors, try making a date caramel. Date caramel is made by blending dates with coconut oil, vanilla, and salt, until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Date caramel can be used as a dip for fruit or pretzels, or as a topping for ice cream or pancakes.
To make date caramel, blend 1 cup of pitted dates with 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
6) Make a date smoothie
If you don’t like the texture of dates, but enjoy smoothies, try adding dates to your smoothie. Dates can add sweetness and creaminess to a smoothie, and can help to balance out bitter or acidic flavors.
To make a date smoothie, blend 1/2 cup of pitted dates with 1 cup of milk or plant-based milk, 1 banana, and a handful of ice. You can also add other ingredients to customize your smoothie, such as spinach, protein powder, or nut butter. Blend until smooth, and enjoy!
7) Stuff dates with other ingredients
If you don’t like the taste of dates on their own, try stuffing them with other ingredients to create a flavor combination that you enjoy. Some popular fillings for stuffed dates include nuts, cheese, or bacon. You can also stuff dates with a mixture of cream cheese and herbs, or with a spicy meat mixture.
To stuff dates, cut a slit down the center of each date, being careful not to cut all the way through. Gently open the date, and remove the pit. Fill the date with your desired filling, and press the edges together to seal.
8) Make a date and nut butter sandwich
If you enjoy nut butter, but don’t like the texture of dates, try making a date and nut butter sandwich. Spread your favorite nut butter on a slice of bread, then top with sliced dates. Top with another slice of bread, and enjoy!
9) Make a date and nut energy ball
If you need a quick and healthy snack, try making a date and nut energy ball. Energy balls are made by blending dates, nuts, and other ingredients together into a small ball. Energy balls are a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
To make a date and nut energy ball, combine 1 cup of pitted dates, 1 cup of nuts (such as almonds or cashews), and 1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut in a food processor. Blend until the mixture forms a sticky dough. Roll the dough into small balls, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
10) Make date milk
You can also try making date milk, which is just dates added to any kind of milk. One recipe we have is Almond Milk with Dates. You can learn more and find another recipe at How to Eat Dates with Milk.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are many ways to eat dates, even if you don’t like the taste or texture on their own. Experiment with different varieties, pair them with other flavors, incorporate them into recipes, or try making a date paste, date caramel, or stuffed dates.
Dates are a healthy and nutritious food that can provide many benefits to your diet, so don’t be afraid to try new ways to enjoy them.
Lance has been passionate about the plant-based diet and we have been following a whole food plant-based diet for over 5 years. We focus on health, natural healing, weight management, animal rights, and the health of the planet and environment by focusing on whole plant-based foods and sustainable practices.
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