The hubs bought a packet of yellow color fresh dates the other day.  They didn’t taste as good as the brownish-greenish fresh dates which are round in shape.

The yellow color, oblong shaped fresh dates are sweet but have a slight bitter taste and sappy texture, as if you are eating bananas that are not ripened yet.  I was told later that I should not have refrigerated the fresh dates.  I should have left the fresh dates in room temperature and let the dates ripened, turn dry and wrinkly before eating them.  Well, after refrigerating the dates for almost a week, we left them in room temperature but bummer, the dates turned mouldy and we threw them away!

Food For Thought:
A 100 gram portion of fresh dates is a premium source of vitamin C and supplies 230 kcal (960 kJ) of energy. They are fat free, cholesterol free, and are a good source of fiber. Every 100 gram portion includes Vitamin A — 5 mcg beta-carotene and 75 mcg lutein + zeaxanthin and Vitamin B-complex total folate – 13 mcg. A single date contains Vitamin B6. Dates also contain Vitamin A1, B1, B2, B3, B5, C and more than 20 different amino acids, helping us digest and assimilate carbohydrates easier and control blood sugar levels and fatty acids content in our bodies. The selenium (a powerful antioxidant) lowers the risk of cancer and heart diseases, as well as helps us keep our immune systems healthy. As a single date contains around 23 calories, this very low calorie count and the huge amount of healthy substances in dates make them one of the best nutrition sources for a diet plan menu.

Dates are high in iron and potassium. They are useful in treating anemia, constipation and fatigue. Dates that are immersed in water overnight and then pureed with the remaining water before consuming in the morning can be used to counter constipation.

Dates are believed to prevent certain types of cancer, especially pancreatic cancer.

Dates soaked in fresh goat’s milk and eaten with honey and a pinch of cardamom is believed to increase sexual stamina!  Anyone gamed to try that?

Caution : Dates contain compounds that may cause headaches in certain individuals. Dates are also very high in sugar content and you should go easy on them or not eat them if you have diabetes.

Traditional Medicinal Uses:
Dates have a high tannin content and are used medicinally as a detersive (having cleansing power) and astringent in intestinal troubles. As an infusion, decoction, syrup, or paste, dates may be administered for sore throat, colds, bronchial catarrh, and taken to relieve fever and number of other complaints. One traditional belief is that it can counteract alcohol intoxication. The seed powder is also used in some traditional medicines. The roots are used against toothache.