Dried Dates

Dates are a fruit which, when fresh, are dark brown, plump and juicy, with a pit in the centre. Dried, they look a little like giant raisins, have a sticky texture, and are sometimes described as nature’s candy. They have a soft toffee-like consistency and make an appetizing fibrous treat. They are low in calories, and just three dates equals one of your five-a-day.

Dried dates are full of vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin K, magnesium and fibre. This makes them fantastic for gut health, enhancing the immune system, brain function, bone strength and regulating blood sugar. They have multiple uses, great for anything from baking to snacking and are very popular around Christmas but taste wonderful any time of year.

Nutritional benefits of dried dates

Dates are not only tasty but amazing for your body. They are full of vitamins and minerals to feel healthy, happy and energised.

Bursting with B6- Vitamin B6 is vital for helping the body use and store energy. It regulates fat, sugar and protein to use the nutrients correctly, including bolstering your immune system. So, this sweet fruit is fantastic to eat over winter.

Vitamin A - Vitamin A, or retinol, is excellent for skin health. It draws in and retains moisture to hydrate skin, plumping up fine lines and wrinkles for a revitalised complexion. It also helps reproduction and improves your immune system function.

Vitamin K - Vitamin K is a less commonly known vitamin but is crucial for robust bones and blood clotting for fast wound healing.

Fibre - Fibre binds stools and provides slip in your intestines for healthy bowel movements and improving gut health. You get fibre from fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, making dates a great fibrous option. 

Magnesium - The mineral magnesium helps with muscle function, which is essential for everyday activities such as walking. It also contributes to releasing the sleep hormone melatonin for better sleep and, therefore, higher energy levels.

Easy ways to eat dried dates

Dried dates don’t need preparing, or anything added to them, making the fruit simple to include in your diet.

Eat as a natural sugar replacement - Instead of consuming refined sugar through sweets and chocolate, swap out for dates and enjoy their natural sweetness.

Add to your baking - Chopped, dried dates are tasty additions to baking, including cakes and loaves.

Sprinkle on top of breakfast - Want to stop eating sugary cereal but craving sweetness? Add dates to your porridge, granola or yoghurt.

Use as a topping to ice cream - Get some fibre content when you’re indulging in ice cream by adding the syrupy taste of dates on top.

Blend into a trail mix - If you need a sugary delight to get your daily dose of nuts and seeds, choose the natural option of dates.

At Grape Tree, our dried dates are carefully selected for their high quality and beautiful taste. Choose from our selection of pitted and chopped dates for a deliciously sweet treat.