Dates are one of the oldest cultivated fruits – it’s thought that they were a staple part of the Babylonian diet 8,000 years ago. Grown in North Africa and Israel, there are several varieties, but only a handful are exported to Britain. Colours range from honey yellow, red to brown, the last of which is the most common. They’re very sweet, with a rich, deep flavour and a lush, slightly chewy texture. The mahogany brown Medjoul variety is the sweetest, and tastes a little like toffee
Fresh dates will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for around a week. To remove the stone from a fresh date, just push it out with your fingers, or slit open lengthways, remove, and push the flesh closed again. To remove the skin, pull off the stem, then pinch at one end to push the flesh out.
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