Tag: Date storage

Medjool dates are surprisingly a fresh fruit, not a dried one, a distinction that impacts how they should be handled. While they are naturally protected by their skin, even packaged organic Medjool dates can benefit from a quick wash for better food hygiene and peace of mind.

Over 400 varieties of dates exist worldwide, yet many people remain unaware that dried dates and fresh dates, often simply called dates, have significant differences. These distinctions primarily stem from their moisture content, which dramatically influences their texture, flavor, and shelf life.

Although widely considered a dried fruit, most dates sold commercially have varying moisture content, which is a key factor in how they should be stored. So, do dates need to be kept in a fridge? The answer largely depends on the date variety, how long you plan to store them, and your local climate.

Unlike other dried fruits, Medjool dates are considered a fresh fruit, often sold refrigerated due to their higher moisture content. Because of this, their storage needs are different, leading many to ask: should you refrigerate Medjool dates to maintain their signature soft, succulent quality?

Medjool dates are not a dried fruit but are harvested from the date palm, cleaned, sorted, and packaged, often without being dried. This often leads to the question, are Medjool dates clean and can they be eaten right out of the container?

Over 200,000 metric tons of dates are produced annually in the United States alone, making proper storage and consumption knowledge crucial. Knowing how do you know if a date fruit has gone bad is essential for food safety and preventing illness.

While dates are a healthy and sweet snack, the discovery of a white substance on their surface can raise concerns. Knowing whether this is harmless crystallized sugar or potentially dangerous mold is essential to answer the question: Is it OK to eat the white stuff on dates?.