Do Medjool dates have pits in them?

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

As a tropical stone fruit, every Medjool date naturally contains a single, small pit nestled within its edible, fleshy center. While this is a consistent fact of their botanical nature, Medjool dates are sold commercially in both their whole, unpitted form and a pre-pitted version for consumer convenience.

Quick Summary

All Medjool dates are harvested with a pit, as they are a stone fruit. The seed is often removed during processing to create a more convenient, pitted product, though unpitted dates are also widely available. Consumers can easily pit them at home for cooking or snacking purposes. Choosing between pitted or unpitted depends on personal preference and how they will be used.

Key Points

Yes, all Medjool dates naturally contain a pit: As a stone fruit, the pit is a natural and integral part of its structure.
Medjool dates are sold both pitted and unpitted: You can buy them whole with the pit inside or in a pre-pitted version for convenience.
Pitting is a simple, quick process: You can easily remove the pit at home using a small knife or by gently squeezing the date.
Unpitted dates may be softer and fresher: The pit helps protect the date's flesh from drying out, which can result in a moister texture compared to some pitted varieties.
Pits can be repurposed: The stones are not edible, but they can be roasted and ground into a coffee substitute, used for body scrubs, or added to compost.
Choose based on your needs: Opt for pitted dates for quick, mess-free snacking and recipes, or select unpitted for stuffing or potentially better moisture retention.

The Anatomy of a Medjool Date: Naturally Born with a Pit

At the core of every Medjool date, just like peaches or plums, is a hard, inedible seed or 'stone.' This is a fundamental characteristic of the fruit, not a flaw. The seed is a vital part of the date palm's reproductive process. This natural, unpitted state is how Medjool dates are initially harvested from the date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera). The size of the pit can vary slightly depending on the specific date variety and its maturity, but it typically accounts for a significant portion of the fruit's internal weight. When you purchase whole Medjool dates, you will need to remove this pit before consuming them.

The Journey from Palm to Package: Creating Pitted Dates

For consumer convenience, many Medjool dates undergo a processing step where the pit is mechanically or manually removed. This creates the 'pitted' variety commonly found in stores. The decision to sell dates with or without their pits is primarily a market-driven choice. Pitted dates are often preferred for their convenience in baking, snacking, or blending into pastes, whereas unpitted dates are sometimes chosen for their perceived freshness, as the pit helps protect the soft flesh from air exposure.

How to Pit Medjool Dates at Home

If you purchase unpitted dates, removing the stone is a straightforward process. Here are two simple methods:

The Slit Method: Place the date on a cutting board and use a small paring knife to make a lengthwise slit along one side, being careful not to cut all the way through. Gently pull the sides apart to expose the oval-shaped pit, then remove it with your fingers or the tip of the knife.
The Squeeze Method: Gently squeeze the top and bottom of the date. In many cases, the pit can be easily pushed out from one end. This is a quick and effective technique for softer dates.

Pitted vs. Unpitted Medjool Dates: A Comparison


Feature	Unpitted (Whole) Medjool Dates	Pitted Medjool Dates
Texture	Generally softer, chewier, and moister.	Can be slightly drier and firmer due to greater air exposure.
Flavor	Rich, caramel-like, with a distinct honey-like sweetness.	Retains the signature sweet flavor, but texture differences can affect the perception.
Convenience	Less convenient for snacking or cooking; requires manual pitting.	Very convenient and ready-to-use for snacking and recipes.
Shelf Life	Can maintain moisture and freshness for longer periods due to the pit.	Can dry out faster after opening the package.	Requires proper storage to retain moisture and quality.
Best Uses	Snacking, especially when stuffed with ingredients like cheese or nuts.	Baking, smoothies, date paste, or quick, mess-free snacking.
Price	Typically less expensive per pound than the pitted version.	Higher price point reflects the extra labor and processing involved.

Beyond the Kitchen: Creative Uses for Medjool Date Pits

Rather than simply discarding the pits, consider giving them a second life. Though inedible, they can be repurposed in surprisingly useful ways.

DIY Coffee Substitute: When roasted and ground, date pits can be used to make a caffeine-free coffee alternative. The process involves roasting the pits until dark brown and then grinding them into a fine powder.
Natural Sugar Scrub: The hard texture of ground pits can be combined with coconut oil and other ingredients to create an effective and all-natural body or lip scrub.
Nutrient-Rich Compost: Date pits can be added to your compost bin, where they will eventually decompose and add nutrients to the soil. They take longer to break down than other organic materials but are a valuable addition.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Medjool Date Pits

In short, do Medjool dates have pits in them? Yes, by their very nature as a stone fruit, they do. The key is understanding that they are sold in both their natural, unpitted form and a pre-pitted version for different needs. Whether you choose the whole fruit or the pitted variety, you are still getting the same delicious, nutrient-packed product. The choice largely comes down to your intended use and preference for convenience. If you opt for the whole fruit, pitting them is a simple task that takes only a few seconds per date, and you can even repurpose the pits afterward, ensuring no part of this versatile fruit goes to waste.

For more information on the history and cultivation of dates, see this resource from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, dates are sold in two main forms: whole (with the pit inside) and pitted (with the pit removed). The packaging will indicate which type you are buying.

The easiest way is to make a lengthwise slit with a paring knife, open the date gently, and pull out the pit with your fingers. For softer dates, you can often just squeeze the pit out from one end.

Unpitted dates tend to retain more of their natural moisture because the pit protects the flesh from air exposure. Pitted dates, having had their pit removed, may be slightly drier and firmer.

Yes, it is possible, though the pit is very hard and usually noticed immediately. It is important to remember that if a date is unpitted, a pit is present and must be removed before eating.

Most modern date processing, including pitting, uses machinery, and quality suppliers avoid chemical treatments. The best way to ensure minimal processing is to choose organic varieties.

Spoiled dates may show mold growth, a slimy texture, a sour smell, or a fermented taste. Fresh Medjool dates are soft, moist, and have a rich, sweet aroma.

Though not edible, date pits can be repurposed. They can be roasted and ground into a caffeine-free coffee alternative, used as an exfoliant in a sugar scrub, or added to compost.