Dates are not only particularly sweet, but also particularly rich in healthy ingredients. The delicacies from the Orient are therefore also referred to as the bread of the desert. Under optimal conditions, the well-traveled fruits can be stored at home for many weeks.

Dates are best stored in a box in the basement

Well preserved by its own sugar

Dates themselves ensure a long shelf life, as they naturally form a lot of sugar. This acts as a preservative and keeps harvested dates fresh for a long time. If the storage conditions are optimal, the dates can still be eaten for up to four weeks.

Dried dates are even more durable

Dried dates, which are the most commonly sold in our part of the world, far exceed the shelf life of fresh dates.

  • Dried fruits have a shelf life of one year
  • have lost a lot of moisture during drying
  • are therefore less susceptible to germs

After a year, the fruits become harder, the sugar crystallizes and the aroma fades more and more. But they are still edible.

Do not store in the refrigerator

When it comes to optimal storage conditions, it makes no difference whether fresh or dried dates are stored. Out of ignorance, dates are kept in the refrigerator in this country or packed in a plastic bag. However, both storage methods are not ideal.

Dates belong in the cellar

Fresh dates stored in plastic bags will take on their flavor over time. In addition, condensation can form and lead to mold growth.

It is best to store fresh dates in a cardboard box in a cool place, such as a basement. A cool pantry is also good, provided the temperature stays below 10 degrees Celsius.

Store dry dates in a container

Even dried dates quickly take on a plastic smell and lose their typical aroma. While dry dates have a long shelf life on their own, they lose moisture over time. You should store them in a sealable jar where they will be protected from moisture loss and not further dry out.

Store dates in the freezer

Storing dates in the freezer will affect their texture and taste, but it's possible.

Dried dates can easily be frozen. With fresh dates, it depends on whether they are really fresh. Dates are often frozen after harvest for the long transport route and sold as fresh dates after thawing. It is not recommended to freeze dates twice.

It should be possible to buy really fresh dates online. These can be frozen.

The garden journal freshness ABC

How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?

The garden journal freshness ABC as a poster:

  • as a free PDF file to print out yourself

Category:

Trees