Dates, despite their appearance, are actually fruits. In fact, they are one of the oldest known fruit crops in the world. They have been grown since ancient times and were found on archaeological sites dating back to 7000 BC! The fruit is popular around the world, particularly in the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Nowadays, you can find dates everywhere – from desserts to snacks and even in drinks like tea or coffee. But what exactly do dates taste like? Read our article to find out.

What Are Dates?

Dates are oval-shaped fruit green on the outside and soft, fleshy, and bright yellow on the inside that grows in clusters. The outer skin of dates is a layer of shiny, waxy brown. Dates are highly nutritious with high levels of vitamins A, B-6, and C; minerals such as copper, magnesium, potassium, and manganese; fiber; antioxidants; and protein.

What Do Dates Taste Like?

Dates taste very sweet! As soon as you bite into a date, you will be hit with a sugar overload and a deep rich caramel taste. Dates also have a butterscotch and toffee flavor with elements of cinnamon and a hint of chocolate.

Dates have a very sweet taste (the darker the color of the interior, the sweeter it will taste). Their flavor comes from fructose and glucose that develops over time due to their natural juices, which contain amylase enzymes. It doesn’t take long for dates to ripen, so make sure you buy them fresh! This fruit has been enjoyed since ancient times for its sweet taste and high nutrient value. 

Why do dates taste like candy? Dates taste like candy because they have incredibly high sugar content. Dates are an astonishing 63% sugar and loaded with fructose and glucose. These sugars give dates their sweet and rich caramel flavor.

See also: What Does Honeycomb Taste Like? Detailed Guide to Its Flavor!

If you are on a low-carb diet, it is time to skip dates. Dates are packed full of carbs (75 grams per 100 grams) and sugars (63 grams per 100 grams). All that sugar is the main reason dates are so sweet and go amazingly well with desserts!

Do Dates Taste Like Caramel?

Dates have a rich sweet flavor that tastes like a natural, less intense caramel. Other flavors you can taste include toffee and butterscotch. If you are a fan of caramel but want a healthier option, grab a handful of dates!

The first time you bite into a date, you will be reminded of caramel. Dates are known for their rich, complex flavor that resembles a blend of honey, cinnamon, caramel, and even chocolate. Dates have such a caramel esque flavor you can even blend them and turn them into a caramel sauce!

Is caramel made from dates? You can make caramel from dates. Date caramel is made from Medjool dates and is known for being very sticky and thick. It has a deep rich taste that will transport you to Egypt.

Making caramel dates is incredibly easy. All you need to do is soak dates in hot water for a few minutes. Then throw them in a blender with some water and almond milk and blend until you have your desired consistency. You can drizzle date caramel on ice cream or cakes!

Do Dates Taste Like Chocolate?

Dates have a mild chocolate taste, but their flavor resembles caramel, toffee, butterscotch, and cinnamon. People who think dates have a strong chocolate taste are probably confusing it with caramel.

Dates may be sweet, but their flavor is more caramel than chocolate. These rich dried fruits will remind you more of toffee or butterscotch than cocoa. Grab a date and see if you can taste any chocolate!

See also: What Do Macarons Taste Like? Learn Today!

What Do Fresh Medjool Dates Taste Like?

Fresh Medjool dates taste refreshingly sweet and are rich without being overwhelming. They have an incredible flavor that blends caramel, honey, and cinnamon. Medjool dates are also loaded with nutrients iron, potassium, and magnesium.

Medjool dates are the most popular and well-known variety of dates in the United States. This type of date tastes sweet with a slightly nutty flavor that comes from its high starch content, whereas Deglet Noors are a bit sweeter and have a stronger flavor. Medjool dates are wrinkled, dark, and dried on the outside but light and sticky on the inside. The awesome thing about Medjool dates is they are also incredibly healthy, so you can enjoy this sweet snack guilt-free! To learn more about the health benefits of dates, read the section below!

A Brief History of Dates

Dates were first cultivated by humans in the area of Mesopotamia, which is now known as Iraq. They are believed to have been grown there since 7000 BC. The fruit was then spread around the world and popularized in Mediterranean regions. Its popularity spread westward through North Africa and all the way to Yemen and eastward to India. Dates also have a long history as a food staple for people living in desert regions. In fact, they were considered one of the most important crops in ancient Egypt’s Faiyum province. They were also grown in Mesopotamia and Babylon (now known as Baghdad) during this time period.

The Arabs introduced dates to Europe. The Arabs arrived in Spain with dates for sale in the 9th century. By the 11th century, dates had spread from Spain to Sicily and southern Italy. From there, they spread across Europe, reaching as far east as Russia. The Arabs also introduced these fruits to Africa and Asia.

Are Dates Healthy?

Dates are healthy and a great source of fiber. One serving of dates contains nearly 20% of the recommended daily fiber intake. Dates are also packed with essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. 

With so many nutrients in every date, they can be beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart and blood pressure levels. Additionally, dates are rich in folate, which has been shown to help lower homocysteine levels in the body. The higher this level is, the more likely someone will experience problems with their cardiovascular system, such as high blood pressure or atherosclerosis. 

Dates are full of B vitamins which help increase energy levels and make you feel better on a daily basis. They’re also loaded with antioxidants which help prevent cancer cells from forming or growing in your body! Dates can also help balance blood sugar by slowing digestion down which prevents spikes and drops while ensuring you have steady energy throughout the day. And lastly, dates are full of iron which can give you more energy! In addition to all these benefits, dates are just delicious – we love them!

What Do Dates Taste Good With?

Dates can be eaten by themselves or added to different recipes. They have a sweet taste and pair well with apple, cinnamon, honey, orange zest, and vanilla. You also need to try this fruit with popular dishes like chicken tagine or Moroccan beef stew!

Dates are commonly found in desserts such as cakes and cookies or even in drinks like coffee and tea. Dates are great because they are incredibly sweet and instantly give flavor to even the blandest dishes. However, in Morrocan cuisine, dates are also used in many savory dishes such as chickpea stew, beef stew, and tagine. 

See also: What Does Kimchi Taste Like? Is Kimchi Spicy or Sour?

One of our favorite date recipes is sticky date pudding. To make an incredible sticky date pudding, follow these steps:

1. Grease a large baking tray and line it with baking paper. Toss the sugar and cold water into a saucepan cook until golden. Spread chopped banana chips over the tray and splash some caramel over it. Throw it in a blender.
2. Place sugar, butter, and 1 cup (250ml) water in a small saucepan over high heat and stir until combined.
3. Place flour, sugar, half the cinnamon, and ginger in a large bowl. Gradually add butter and milk, and stir to combine. Throw in dates and keep stirring. Spread the mixture and chuck in some cinnamon.
4. Pour sauce over pudding mixture. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is slightly golden. Remove from the oven and place praline on top. Eat hot with ice cream.

Conclusion

Dates are a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and are the world’s most popular dried fruit. Dates have an incredibly sweet flavor similar to a rich caramel or even butterscotch with hints of toffee. It is an incredibly versatile fruit that can be eaten alone as a delicious snack or can feature in sweet and savory dishes. Dates are loaded with fiber, potassium, vitamins and minerals, and other nutrients. They are a healthy source of sugar that can help you fight fatigue and keep your blood sugar levels stabilized.