Can dates go bad? How to recognize spoiled dates
I’m crazy about dates. These sticky, sweet little bombs may seem immortal, but dates can go bad too. How can you tell whether your dates have spoiled? And how can you prevent that process? Tips incoming!
Dates: I can’t live without them. I use them as a natural sweetener instead of refined sugar, for example to make healthy Snickers. Or for something savory, for example wrapped in a slice of bacon from the oven (the sweet-and-salty combination is incredible!). Or as a snack, simply straight out of hand – preferably without a worm (do keep reading..), but with a walnut inside. But one thing applies to everything: spoiled dates have to go.
1. Mold on dates? Not always what you think
First things first: do you see a white film on your dates? Don’t panic (right away). It’s often nothing more than crystallized sugar and completely harmless. But if you see fuzzy growth, black spots or a shiny, slimy layer, you’re dealing with mold. And you really don’t want to put that in your mouth or blend it into your smoothie. Just throw it away.
2. Do your dates smell strange? Get rid of them
Fresh dates smell soft, a little honey-like and slightly caramelized. Not as if something has died in there. Do you smell a sour, musty or downright disgusting odor when you open your bag of dates? Then you know enough. Your nose doesn’t lie (and your cat’s certainly doesn’t, so when in doubt: let your cat smell it and you’ll know enough).
3. Creepy-crawlies: check carefully
Although they last a long time when stored properly, it’s not a good idea to pop dates into your mouth without looking. Because sometimes… there’s a worm inside. Yes, you read that right. A. Worm. Insects, larvae, spiders, little worms – anything you’d rather not find in your date. Insects also love snacking on dates. And what else do they do? Reproduce in them. The Dutch government allows a maximum of 5 insects to be found per 100 dates. Don’t ask me how they check this.
The program makers of Keuringsdienst van waarde once made an episode about bugs in dates:
Organic dates
I prefer to buy organic dates. They aren’t treated with pesticides, but that does mean the chance of finding creepy-crawlies is somewhat higher. Remove the pit and you’ll come across them soon enough. Or preferably not, of course. Do you see brown specks that look like sawdust? Get rid of them. Find a worm? The entire batch doesn’t need to go straight into the trash, but check them one by one.
How do you store dates so they don’t go bad?
Not on the counter, and definitely not in an open bag. If you want to give your dates (there are many different kinds!) a long life, store them somewhere cool and dark, in airtight packaging. So:
- In a tightly sealed container
- In your pantry or refrigerator
- Out of the sun and away from moisture
How long do dates stay good?
You can keep most dates at room temperature for at least six months. And if you freeze them, they’ll last at least a year. Pat them dry first and remove the pit – unless you enjoy breaking your teeth. Then put them in an airtight bag and place them in the freezer
Note: thawed dates are somewhat softer and mushier, but they still taste great in baked goods or your oatmeal.
Checklist: are your dates still okay?
- White film = sugar = okay
- Fuzzy mold or black spots = nope
- Strange smell = nope
- Worms or bugs = nope, unless extra protein is your thing
- Look like fresh candy = oh yes baby!
And one more tip: although dates are always associated with sweetness and desserts, just like chef Mounir Toub, I also love using them in main courses. Like in his chicken bastilla. My goodness, it’s delicious. When you cook dates, they turn into a sticky paste with a sweet, candied flavor that binds the dish.
Also read:
- 5 reasons why Dhofar in Oman should be on your bucket list
- Surprise: Ramadan is very healthy
- Stock your Moroccan pantry like this
Source: The Kitchn
