I don't really like dates.

[trinity082482]

I bought some dates for the first time yesterday and I didn't really like them :(
I really wanted to like them because many raw recipes call for dates. *sigh* I wish I could substitue them with figs. I love sun dried figs! But they don't taste anything like a date. :rolleyes:

[Doe]

If you prefer figs, go for it. In recipes the dates are usually used for sweetening and hold. Figs should work just as well. My hubby loves them too, and also does not like dates.

Teri S

[trinity082482]

If you prefer figs, go for it. In recipes the dates are usually used for sweetening and hold. Figs should work just as well. My hubby loves them too, and also does not like dates.

Teri S

Really? Awsome. Thank's Teri ;)

[Rawkinlocs]

Did you try the dates alone to determine this or was it in a recipe? If alone, that doesn't neccesarily mean you won't like them in recipes. I didn't really like dates by themselves either when I first went raw. It was a new experience for me and I just didn't care for them BUT, I would use them in recipes with no problems. Now, I eat them in recipes or all by themselves!

[James Smith]

Rawkinlocs,

Do you just buy regular dates? In other words, do you consider dried fruit to be raw? Or do you buy special raw dates somewhere?

[Rawkinlocs]

Rawkinlocs,

Do you just buy regular dates? In other words, do you consider dried fruit to be raw? Or do you buy special raw dates somewhere?

I, personally, just buy dates. I get them for the most part from my local natural foods store or co-op and I trust them. I am not a total "purist" either, though. I don't eat a lot of dried fruit and what I buy from the store is usually just dates and raisins...everything else I tend to make myself (like dried apples, pears, bananas).

[trinity082482]

Did you try the dates alone to determine this or was it in a recipe? If alone, that doesn't neccesarily mean you won't like them in recipes. I didn't really like dates by themselves either when I first went raw. It was a new experience for me and I just didn't care for them BUT, I would use them in recipes with no problems. Now, I eat them in recipes or all by themselves!

Yes I just ate one from the plastic bag. I bought 2 cups of dates from the bulk area of the grocery store. It was sweet and although my spouse liked them better than figs, I didn't like them at all. I will try them in a recipe. I did sprinkle them over my salad yesterday and Yucko LOL wont be trying that again :D

[cabintrail]

What about using Stevia as a sweetener?

[juliebove]

I don't like dates either but they're fine in a recipe.

[veganman]

I find different dates have different flavors. Some are crunchier than others, depending on the variety and harvest. Also, soaking them changes the texture and intensity of the flavor.

[Sharon in Colorado]

I wonder if it's the type of date as well. I picked up some deliciously awesome medjools at Sam's Club, got a gonga deal, a 2 lb. tub for only 8.88 and the dates were really, really good, moist and fresh-tasting.

There have been times when I got dates that tasted old, not moist and too chewy.

Also like Rawkinlocs said, you don't taste the dates in recipes. It's completely different from eating them out of hand.

When I use figs in recipes, I'll soak them first in warm water for 15 minutes and drain before using in the recipe as they are a lot harder than dates. Also important is to snip off the hard stems before hand.

You can also use an equal amount of soaked raisins or prunes as well.

[RowanC]

I used to call them "cockroaches" because that's what they looked like to me and I hated them.

Now, I LOVE them!

Try them in recipes where they're soaked and ground up for sweetening. It's a totally different experience.

The only reason i wouldn't use figs instead of dates is because the seeds would drive me nuts. Otherwise, go for it!

[veganman]

Sharon - great point about raisins. I love them! They are wonderful soaked and processed with walnuts. It is a pie crust without the filling!

[Missrawdiva]

I have to agree w/Rawkinlocs. I didn't like them alone either until I added some walnuts and cocao to them! Now I can't eat enough of them. Before I made the brownies.. I was ate a date and was like yuck, what is all the fuss about... NOW I KNOW!

[trinity082482]

I used to call them "cockroaches" because that's what they looked like to me and I hated them.

Now, I LOVE them!

Try them in recipes where they're soaked and ground up for sweetening. It's a totally different experience.

The only reason i wouldn't use figs instead of dates is because the seeds would drive me nuts. Otherwise, go for it!

Omg yes! That is what it looks like to me. A large bag of fat roaches *shudders*

[rawlapalooza]

i agree with julie, don't like eatin em but don't mind them hidden in a recipe

[chilove]

Hello there,

There are many different varities of dates and they all have a different flavor. I don't care for medjols, which are the ones that all the stores carry, at all. I order my dates from The Date People and they are awesome!!! They are super fresh and delicious. They can send you a 5lb variety pack and you can try different ones and see if you like them. My absolute favorites are halawi, honey, and bahri dates. Some dates taste just like carmel. Give them a try! I can't imagine being 100% raw without my dates in the winter. :-)

All the best,

Audrey
www.rawhealing.com

[trinity082482]

Thanks :D