Fresh dates are available all year round, but in some countries, fresh dates are only available at certain time of the year. Try to buy the fresh dates when they are available. They are not only nutritious, they contain only half as much sugar, and twice as much fiber, as the imported sun-dried boxed variety.
When buying fresh dates, you should ensure that they are deep brown, plump and moist. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can wash the fruit and eat them as they are, or cut the dates in half, remove the stones and chop the flesh into salads.
Dates can be stuffed with soft cheese, almonds and other fillings to serve as savories. You can also offer them with after-dinner coffee. Fresh dates are also delicious in scones, slices, teabreads, tarts and sticky date pudding.
**
Asian Recipes **
