I never paid much attention to dates. I never had them growing up……
That all changed last fall when I traveled to Israel. Wow. Dates have become a new best friend.
I began to notice them a few years ago when they started getting a lot more buzz in the food world. I get it now.
I never even really considered where dates come from. They grow on date palms!
Here are a few photos I took in Israel, where they are abundant.
I have a new respect for dates. Here is why….
Dates are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, making them one of the healthiest foods in the world. They contain iron for your blood, fiber for roughage, vitamin A for your eyesight, potassium for your heart, B-vitamins, and calcium, to name only a few. Dates offer a great energy boost. They have a history of healing in many cultures.
While on my trip, one of my new friends said that consuming a few dates a day gives you all the minerals and antioxidants you need! It is a staple! Not surprising, since they are so abundant in that part of the world.
Recipes with dates abound. Many creative chefs have replaced sugar in their recipes for dates. Why not. It makes it more nutritious.
Click on this link for one of my favorite new
recipes:
Banana and Date Oatmeal Cookies from Dishing up the Dirt. I have taken them to parties and events. They freeze well.
I pop a date or two in my mouth almost everyday. Give it a try! (For those with a pre-diabetes or diabetes diagnosis, please be mindful of total sugar intake.)
And maybe someday you can come over and have a date with me! ?
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Related
Dates stuffed with peanut butter and rolled in cane sugar were on my mother’s Christmas treat list. Fairly nutritious all in all, especially since the sugar only really settled on the bit of peanut butter that popped out the top.
Could just do the dates and peanut butter!
Oh, my mouth is watering. I love, love, dates. I put them in granola that I make. If you want, I’ll write a guest post and share my recipe. And Israeli dates, the very best!
I would absolutely love that, Lisa! Yes! I will email you. ?
That reciepe for cookies sounds so yummy!!!
I will make you some! ❤️