Up to Date
A fruit as old as legend and civilization. With amazingly modern baking qualities.
I first encountered dates as a child. They were under our Christmas tree, along with cookies, chocolate, and nuts. I did not dare to eat them because I thought they looked scary. Kind of like fruit mummies.
I understood the value and meaning of the plant – at least part of it – when I first encountered date palms on the Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa. It took me a while to associate the bright fruit with the brown, shriveled Christmas treat. I marveled at the amazing ability of the plant to survive in an ever-changing environment of extremes where it grows – drought, floods, storms, insects, tourists. I picked a single ripe fruit from the ground and took it home, where I put it in a pot. And within a year it grew into a beautiful little palm tree.
Dates and date palms have been literally mentioned throughout the ages. You’ll find references in the history of Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Throughout time, the date and its palm have served mankind and the planet. All parts of the plants are easily used, the seeds – inside of what we display in packaged units – can last for many years and still produce a plant. That can grow for up to a century and up to five stories high.
Of course, since today is St. Nicholas Day, we will return to Christmas treats here, although there are many more fascinating facts and stories to be told about the date. But aside from being a Christmas specialty in and of itself, you can actually use dates to make other delicacies that are perfect for this time of year.
Again, the versatility of the date is amazing. It is made into date syrup – very good for preparing liquid dishes like desserts. Or you can use the crystallized version in a cake or cookie as a substitute for regular sugar. By the way, both options result in a lower sugar content, since date syrup and date sweet (crystallized form) contain only 70-80% sugar. Just like the real thing, the whole (dried) fruit. And both date sweet and whole dried fruit thicken and smooth whatever they are added to. This means that you need less eggs, flour and fat.
The only problem here is that working with dried dates can get a little complicated because they are a very proud fruit. Probably fully aware of their long line of heritage and great historical value. They will not bend or crumble, but stick together like glue. Unless you pair them with two of their very old pals: apricots and nuts (see recipe [‘Nick’s Cookie Dream’]). Or you can cook them slightly and blend them warm to make your own date syrup or (dissolved) date sweet.
Sure, you can still put dates under the Christmas tree. Or toss them into your snack bag for a workout (I combine a few with cashews for an energy boost after a half-mile swim). Or add slices to a hearty meal to thicken the sauce and balance the spicy, salty, or sour.
And after a little experimentation, you may find yourself falling in line with generations of passionate cooks and food lovers who make sure they always have this amazingly resilient and useful fruit in the house.
Especially on this day when we celebrate generosity and hospitality around the world.
Side Notes
- On St. Nicholas Day, it’s customary here to leave shoes out in front of our rooms. In the evening, children go door to door dressed as characters from Christmas stories and traditions (I saw one or two green Santas last year ;-)). They collect cookies and other treats as they go. The idea is to honor traditions of generosity and mercy inspired by Saint Nicholas of Myra.
- Of course, there is also some substantial scientific evidence regarding the nutritional value of dates. Among many other benefits, they are high in fiber and have antioxidant properties. Which leads me to repeat my plea here: If chronic inflammation is an issue for you or someone in your family, talk to an experienced nutritionist about what foods can help you live healthier. It is absolutely worth it!