Medjool and Deglet Noor are the Most Popular Dried Dates

Many people describe dried dates as one of their favorite foods. Medjool and Deglet Noor are two of the most popular and easiest to find varieties of dates. Dates are delicious eaten alone. Just a couple of dates make a satisfying and delicious snack. Dates pitted and chopped, are a great way to add sweetness to numerous main dishes, vegetable dishes and desserts.

Medjool Dates

Medjool dates originated in Morocco. Today, Medjool dates are grown in areas with a warm climate such as California, Arizona, Florida and the Middle East. Medjool dates are rich, soft, moist and sweet. The dates are classified as large and very large in size. Medjool dates have a caramel-like flavor. When comparing nutritional value, these dates have a higher DV% of calcium than other varieties of dates. They contain iron, potassium, copper, vitamin B6 and magnesium. As with all dates, Medjool dates have a high concentration of sugar which means they have a rather high calorie count. However, a serving size of 2 dates, is all that’s required to gain benefits from their nutritional content.

Deglet Noor Dates

Deglet Noor are oval-shaped medium-sized dates. They are amber in color. They have a mildly sweet flavor and are not as moist as Medjool dates. Their nutritional benefits closely match those of Medjool dates. The mellow honey-like flavor of Deglet Noor dates makes them a popular choice for use in baked goods.

Buying Dried Dates

Once you begin discovering all the many ways to include delicious and highly beneficial dates into your meal plan and snack ideas, you’ll want to stock up on them. This is where the dried version of dates ranks superior to fresh. When dates are dried, they have a shelf life of 6 months. Buying in bulk is convenient and economical.

Health Benefits

Both Medjool and Deglet Noor dates provide health benefits that make them a popular and highly desirable snack and recipe ingredient. This rustic-looking fruit can help reduce inflammation. Adding dates to your diet could support brain health and help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Dates provide antioxidants that help prevent numerous types of diseases. If you’re concerned with bone health, dates should be part of your diet. When you keep dates on hand, either in the pantry or in a take-along bag, you’ll have a snack available that can help you break free of an afternoon slump, energize you before a workout, satisfy hunger pangs, help jump-start your morning and keep you feeling full throughout the day or night.