A date to remember
I have vivid memories of fasting during the month of Ramadan. After a long day of not eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset, I’d sit at the table just before sunset and select a sweet, juicy date to bite into with which to break my fast. Growing up, I did it because of tradition, but in recent years I have learnt so much about the health benefits of eating dates. Juicy dates, such as Medjool dates are very high in antioxidants and iron. They also do not contain any sulphites or preservatives and contain 50% more potassium than bananas by weight. Fresh dates have an easily digestible flesh and simple sugars like fructose and dextrose. When eaten, they replenish energy and revitalize the body instantly. This makes sense as to why we’d break our fast with them.
There are different varieties of dates out there; some are drier than others. I have come to love Natural Delights Medjool Dates specifically because of their flavour and texture. They are grown in Bard Valley, straddling Arizona and California. I love that all of their dates are grown organically. Their new green plastic packaging is made of 100% post-consumer recycled materials. What’s important for me, is that all of their dates and date products are 100% non-GMO. If you’ve never had a date before, the best way I can describe a Natural Delights Medjool date is that it has a creamy texture and a caramel-like taste.
I often keep a bowl of dates on my counter for the kids as an after-school snack or these days, for grazing rather than have us opt for less healthy alternatives. They also make a great and simple addition to a cheese platter when hosting company.
SIMPLE RECIPES:
Medjool dates are simple fruits, and to me, I love to consume them with simple recipes. One staple we try to keep on the table, particularly during the month of Ramadan, are almond stuffed dates. I first had them at a friend’s home twenty years ago. They had just moved from the Middle East and served a plate of almond-stuffed dates. It seemed so strange at first, but it was delicious. I now find myself doing the same thing for my own family. A decadent spin on that is to mash some cream cheese with vanilla and honey then pipe it into a pitted date.
Another super simple go-to for our family are date milkshakes. They are delicious, decadent and packed full of nutrients. Here’s a great recipe from Natural Delights. It’s even more delicious with the additional ice cream, but a wonderful treat as the weather warms up.
So next time you’re looking for a sweet treat, pick up a Natural Delights Medjool Date. And of course, in true Fariha-fashion, I have to end with a classic punny joke.
“I feel so popular in Ramadan; I have a date every night.”
DISCLOSURE: Please note that this is a sponsored post in partnership with Natural Delights. As always, I only ever share products and services I love and use for my own family. All opinions are 100% my own.
