If you’re not enjoying dates on a regular basis, you’re missing out. I’m not talking a romantic outing (although the sentiment still applies); I’m talking about the glorious Middle Eastern fruit. Grown on trees in bunches, dates are sugary sweet and can seriously improve your life.
When it comes to any date, don’t judge a book by its cover. Dates look sort of like giant raisins or plumper prunes — not like the sweetness overload they truly are. Their skins are slightly shriveled and they contain pits that need to be removed before eating. Originating in the Middle East, dates remain a staple of the Mediterranean diet. They grow on date palms and are a great source of carbohydrates.
According to Men’s Journal, dates are a perfect workout fuel because they’re loaded with potassium and contain slow-burning carbs. Eat them before a workout for energy and after one to help with recovery. They’re a perfect sweetener and truly are nature’s treat.
I’ve been avoiding processed foods for a long time and, no joke, dates taste like candy to me.
Medjool dates are the best, for certain. They are larger, which means more flavor and more sweetness. They’re also fairly easy to find at most stores. Trader Joe’s has a great variety but my guess is your local grocery store has a selection. While they’re sold on the shelves, be sure to refrigerate them after opening.
— Allison Willson Dudas
