Dates are the fruit of date palms, which themselves come in many more varieties than anyone only familiar with dried chopped dates might imagine. If you've never had a freshly harvested date, they are worth seeking out for their insanely sweet, caramel-like taste and—this is where they differ most from dried dates—their soft, downright luscious texture.
That said, most dates are allowed to hang on the trees to "cure" and dry a bit before being harvested so they will last longer once picked. These are the "fresh dates" available at many specialty grocery stores, and they are also perfectly, utterly delicious.
When Can I Get Fresh Dates?
Where Can I Find Fresh Dates?
Farmers markets in Southern California and Arizona may have fresh dates in season; they are also available mail order from some growers and may be found at specialty stores and, often, Middle Eastern markets, since dates play a significant role in the cuisine of many Middle Eastern countries.
How to Choose Fresh Dates
Fresh dates can be wrinkled, but they shouldn't feel hard. Look for fresh dates that are plump looking and have a slightly glossy look to their skin. Avoid dates that have crystallized sugar on their skins (a little whiteness is okay, but not actual crystals), since that means they are not quite as fresh as you might like.
Types of Dates
There are endless varieties of dates grown in the Middle East. In the U.S. the most commonly available dates are Deglet Noor dates, which are semi-soft, slender, and a bit chewy, and Medjool dates, which are plump and tender. Other varieties may be available at your farmers market if you're lucky enough to have date growers selling there.
Dates are also classified by when they're harvested, since that determines how soft or dry they are. Freshly harvested dates are very soft; as mentioned above, most "fresh dates" for sale in the U.S. have been left on the tree for awhile after they are ripe to dry a bit (and thus last longer after harvest) and these will still be quite soft, but have a bit more of a toothsome quality to them.
How to Store Dates
Fresh dates that have been "cured" are partially dried and will last awhile. Store them in a sealable container at room temperature for up to two months. They will continue to dry out, and their sugars will slowly but surely come to the surface, creating white spots that are sugar, not mold.
How to Use Dates
How to Make a Date Shake
Or, get very Southern California, and make a date shake by whirling 1/2 cup fresh pitted dates with 1/2 cup milk and 1 cup of vanilla ice cream until smooth and shake-like. That's enough for one modest serving, feel free to double the recipe!
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