This article provides an overview of dates, what it tastes like, their availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make date substitutes.
What are Dates?
Dates are an edible sweet fruit, that is cultivated from a flowering plant species which is commonly grown throughout North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Once dried, the fruit contains around 61-68% sugar and therefore often enjoyed as a dessert, drink, or within confections.
What do Dates taste like?
Dates have a firm and sticky texture, with an intensely rich and sweet taste. Once fully ripe, they have a caramel-like taste, with notes of cinnamon, butterscotch, and toffee.
Is Dates readily available in Supermarkets?
Dates should be readily available in supermarkets, where they are usually found in the snack section, with the other dried fruits or sweets.
What are some alternative names for Dates?
Dates are also commonly referred to as date palms, as they belong to the palm family.
What is a good substitute for Dates in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for dates. These include:
- Dates can be substituted for several dried fruits such as
- Raisins
- Apricots
- Cherries
- Figs
- Cranberries
- In recipes, you can also substitute for date syrup
- Maple Syrup
- Raisin Paste
- Caramel