Dates are chewy and very sweet, with a taste a bit like caramel. They are used in sticky puddings, energy bites, cookies and cakes. They also appear in savory stews and with nuts and cheese.

Unlike fresh fruit such as peaches or berries, dates are usually sold dried and keep a long time. They can be chopped, stuffed or blended into a paste to sweeten recipes. They are also a familiar treat in many Middle Eastern kitchens.

Questions folks ask

What can I make with dates?

Date cakes, cookies, bars, smoothies and stuffed dates are all popular. They also go into stews.

How do I store dates?

Keep them in a sealed container in a cool spot. The fridge keeps them longer.

Can I swap dates for sugar?

Sometimes, as a paste. The flavor and texture change, so start with a recipe made for it.

Kitchen tips

Soak hard dates in warm water for a few minutes to soften them.
Remove the pits before chopping, if they are still in.
Lightly oil your knife so sticky dates do not cling.
Blend soaked dates into a paste for sweetening batters.