What is the difference between dried & fresh dates?

DATES ARE AVAILABLE IN MANY QUALITIES

What qualities are these?

People have been eating dates for over 4,000 years. They are an excellent source of healthy energy with their high carbohydrate content. When you think of dates, you probably imagine dried fruit. But you can also eat fresh dates.

Due to the lower water content, the ingredients in dried dates are much more concentrated. Knowing the difference between fresh & dried dates can help you choose the right dates for your recipes.

FRESH VS. DRIED DATES

What is the difference?

Fresh dates come in three different stages: extra soft, soft and medium soft, or medium dry. However, a medium dry fresh date is not the same as a dried date. If you store fresh dates airtight and in the refrigerator, they will last up to 8 months, or over a year in the freezer.

A dried date, on the other hand, has been dehydrated through a drying process and actually has a lower water content than fresh dates. Dried dates last longer than fresh dates: in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to a year and in the freezer for up to 5 years.

Do dried dates have more calories?

In fact, dried dates have more calories than fresh dates. 100g of dry dates have about 284 calories and fresh ones have about 142 calories. Fresh dates are a better choice if you want to control your weight because they fill you up faster.

Do fresh dates have more nutrients?

Fresh dates actually differ in their composition. Although only slightly, they have a lower proportion of carbohydrates and fiber.

100g of fresh dates contain approximately: 1.8g protein, 1g fat, 37g carbohydrates and 3.5g fiber, while the same amount of dried dates contains approximately 2.8g protein, 0.6g fat, 76g carbohydrates and 5g fiber.

While fresh dates have a higher proportion of vitamin C, dried dates have higher amounts of calcium and iron. In comparison, 100g of fresh dates have around 34mg calcium, 6mg iron and 30mg vitamin C, whereas dried dates have 81mg calcium, 8mg iron and 0mg vitamin C. Vitamin C is a very unstable substance that is destroyed by heat and storage.

WHICH DATES ARE BETTER?

Dates are certainly enriching fruits that we should include in our diet. If you are watching your weight, then it is better to provide your body with fresh dates. They keep you full for longer, revitalize your body with important nutrients for a long time and give you strength for your daily training.

If you want to gain weight, dried dates are definitely more beneficial. They have a higher proportion of carbohydrates and calories and help your body to build up.

Always choose the variant that is best for you and your lifestyle and enjoy this incredibly delicious & healthy palm fruit!