No seriously, are dates really raw????

[RawNnyc]

Okay, I am like obsessed with dates now. I've been getting the organic ones from Whole Foods, and I LOVE THEM. I just tried them for the first time last week and I think they taste like dessert. Are they really completely natural and raw? I mean, they just taste TOO GOOD to be true!! I've decided to keep my raw lifestyle low fat (because I have a problem with constipation and I've learned fat blocks me for days if I have too much). I'm having mono fruit meals all day and at night, 1 or 2 HUGE salads mixed with veggies, and one type of fat. Either avocado, flax seeds, raw almonds, coconut oil, etc. Anyway, I am eating TONS OF DATES in one sitting for a meal. Like I just had a bunch for lunch! Is that okay? I mean, is that REALLY OKAY? They taste like carmal to me or something! LIke such a treat! (Please tell me yes, it's okay.) But if there is anything bad with eating too much, I want to know. Or if it's possible that they sometimes aren't completely raw...or something. I just can't believe that they're so good! hahahaha:D

[Veganforlife]

Hey RawNnyc - r u sitting down? Okay, r u ready for this? Well, then, YEP, dates are raw. They are one of nature's best things (I feel). They are like little caramel/sugar treats. Ever eat one with a nut shoved in the middle?
And YOU are the one to judge if it's okay to eat a good amount of them. We can't answer that for you. I find if I eat too many, it's too sweet for me.
check this out:
www.datepeople.net
This is who I get my dates from. I get boxes of seconds, either mixed or lately I've been getting boxes of seconds of Medjools - my all time favorite. These folks are very cool to deal with and their product is yum-mee!!!
(click on the download pdf link)

[RawFoodieMom]

RawNnyc... It's okay. Stop worrying so much. :)

Eat whatever you want, as long as it's raw. Right now it's just important to stay raw. As you're raw for a while things will even out and your body will most likely start telling you to ease up on the dates a little... :D

But for now, just enjoy them, they're raw... Okay? :)

[Linda1970]

I know what you mean. I think they are too good to be true. I also really like the WholeFood's dates. Can't stop eating them. If I were you and I eat a lot of WF dates, I would ask WF to see if they can find out whether or not the dates are raw.

[RawNnyc]

ahahah thanks for your quick responses. I know, ahhaa I am worrying a lot! can't help it! I've grown up to believe that too much of ANYTHING is VERY BAD for you, let alone fruit, of ANY KIND. Especially dried fruit!! It's so hard to ease up completely when your whole life was built on certain beliefs........ahhhh ......well, dates are for sure my new obsession. I hear everyone stuffing them with nut butter but to be honest, the only nut butters I really like are cashew(which I'm staying away from after learning that they're never really raw) and peanut butter which gives me HORRIBLE INDIGESTION. I don't see too many people talking about peanut butter here. Is it because the mold and toxins that peanuts usually have? Or because you can't really eat raw peanuts?

[misslinda]

Medjool dates are definately more softer and meatier. I prefer to soak them myself before consuming. I like to think of them as "cocroaches." :p

Figs however, are usually not RAW unless specified. Because the mold quickly most manufacturers will expose them to high heat levels to increase the drying process!

[Veganforlife]

[QUOTE=misslinda;234557]I like to think of them as "cocroaches." :p QUOTE]

::snap::
Man! You just blew my bubble I was living in with my love for Medjools! HAHAHAHA! I refuse to think of them as what you called them!
I personally have never eaten a cockroach. I did however eat a green caterpillar on a dare from my brother when I was little. No, it wasn't last week!!!! Blech!!!! :p :p :p Yucky spit!

[RawNnyc]

Medjool dates are definately more softer and meatier. I prefer to soak them myself before consuming. I like to think of them as "cocroaches." :p

Figs however, are usually not RAW unless specified. Because the mold quickly most manufacturers will expose them to high heat levels to increase the drying process!

REally? Figs aren't raw? I've been getting the whole foods organic dried figs and eating them almost just as much as the dates!!! I just bought two containers!! Well, I guess I won't be eating those anymore.......they don't actually say 'raw' on them. Unless someone can confirm that the whole foods figs are raw?

hahah yes! That's why I've been avoiding dates! because they look like roaches! Living in NYC I see them in the summer once in a while roaming the subways, or a sidewalk with lots of garbage! ewwwww!!!! ONly one at a time, thank GOd! I hate those! ha........and I got dates because I read that they were healthy, but I had them in the refridgorator for days because they just didn't look appetizing....then I had one and the rest is history..............

THat's sad about the figs though because that was my other 'raw' guilty pleasure (without the guilt?)

[chilove]

YES! They are raw and good for you!! I second the recommendation to buy from the Date People. They are awesome. Their dates are much fresher and tastier than the dates from Whole Foods. And they are less expensive, even with shipping charges.

All the best,

Audrey
www.rawhealing.com

[veganman]

Hi RawNnyc -

dates and figs can be a bit tricky regarding the processing. Some dates (like the ones at WF, unfortunately) are subjected to rehydration in hot water or steam. Figs can also be subjected to similar type things, depending on the grower/processer.

[misslinda]

Yep like vEganman says........

I would high assume 99% that the bulk section of hfs are heated dried figs and dates UNLESS it is noted as RAW etc. Just like truly raw food bars by definiton will say otherwise some of them are not all the way raw.

Glaser farms
date people
diamond organics

[RawNnyc]

Okay, well now that I had tons of those dates from WF, I am EXTREMELY TIRED AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm in the middle of studying (and checking this forum of course) and I just want to lay down and take a nap!!!! I think I might HAVE TO lay off of the dried fruit for a while. Does this happen to anyone? Or can it be that they were not really raw?????? I'm back to where I was yesterday, (in my post about detox and fatigue.)................

[salsababy]

Hey RawNnyc - r u sitting down? Okay, r u ready for this? Well, then, YEP, dates are raw. They are one of nature's best things (I feel). They are like little caramel/sugar treats. Ever eat one with a nut shoved in the middle?
And YOU are the one to judge if it's okay to eat a good amount of them. We can't answer that for you. I find if I eat too many, it's too sweet for me.
check this out:
www.datepeople.net
This is who I get my dates from. I get boxes of seconds, either mixed or lately I've been getting boxes of seconds of Medjools - my all time favorite. These folks are very cool to deal with and their product is yum-mee!!!
(click on the download pdf link)

Just curious how much shipping goes for?
Do you think dates are easy to grow?

[misslinda]

Okay, well now that I had tons of those dates from WF, I am EXTREMELY TIRED AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm in the middle of studying (and checking this forum of course) and I just want to lay down and take a nap!!!! I think I might HAVE TO lay off of the dried fruit for a while. Does this happen to anyone? Or can it be that they were not really raw?????? I'm back to where I was yesterday, (in my post about detox and fatigue.)................


Don't feel bad. When I first started raw in 2004, I use to eat dates and walnuts like crazy. It's not unusual to feel tired after eating a food that is high in sugar. Plus, dehydrated foods on the spectrum with fresh foods is harder to digest and contributes to bloating etc. It's not something that is a mystery, it's just the way it is BUT in light of how some of us USE to eat, eating those dates are NOT bad. We all transition,make mistakes,improve,learn and unlearn. Often times, those of us who are having the sweet tooth, find balance and comfort thru adding more greens whether thur eating of a tasty smoothie!

:)

[RawNnyc]

Don't feel bad. When I first started raw in 2004, I use to eat dates and walnuts like crazy. It's not unusual to feel tired after eating a food that is high in sugar. Plus, dehydrated foods on the spectrum with fresh foods is harder to digest and contributes to bloating etc. It's not something that is a mystery, it's just the way it is BUT in light of how some of us USE to eat, eating those dates are NOT bad. We all transition,make mistakes,improve,learn and unlearn. Often times, those of us who are having the sweet tooth, find balance and comfort thru adding more greens whether thur eating of a tasty smoothie!

:)

Thanks for making me feel better. But I really am going to stay away from them for a while...:( .......I'm extremely bloated and if my beloved dates are contributing to my uncomortable stomach, then I'll wait a few months so my digestive tract can settle down a little. And THEN I'll order them from the date people. I don't want to take any chances with food that isn't FOR SURE raw because if I'm not feeling right, it's not worth wondering. Also, it's funny because today, I actually told myself, okay, either have the dates, or a bag of baby carrots (because I actually had a craving for both)...and I choose the dates. Well, I guess you live and learn!! Is there any other 'possible not raw' things that I might buy and might be actually cooked? I mean, I eat pretty simple other than the dried figs and dates.....veggies and fresh fruits.....and soaked raw nuts..but very little because I really don't crave them like I used to. Can you believe I actually CRAVED lettuce the past two nights? NOt a salad...but the lettuce!!! I couldn't believe it!

Anyway, I'll continue simple today and start fresh again tomorrow.........:rolleyes:

[Tk2dsky]

Medjool dates are definately more softer and meatier. I prefer to soak them myself before consuming. I like to think of them as "cocroaches." :p

!



LOL, I was just saying to my husband a day ago, that they remind me of the same thing. He thought I was nutz!

[misslinda]

LOL, I was just saying to my husband a day ago, that they remind me of the same thing. He thought I was nutz!


hee hee, and they taste good!:p

Rawnyc, don't forget it is also high in fiber that contributes to bloating along with void of water in the dried fruit. You may even consider soaking the dates first to replenish the water content--if you consider eating them again. You're doing great--no worries there chickadee!;)

[Faithfullyfit]

RawNnyc,

Someone mentioned the nut inside- you have to try this with pecans....it taste better than Pecan Pie!!!!! Just push the pecan inside and voila- dessert:D I also have soaked them and then mixed with the pecans and rolled in finely shredded coconut and freeze- served at a party.....YUMMY!!!!

Just make sure the dates are from a reliable raw source;) and you can enjoy to your hearts content!

[Veganforlife]

Just curious how much shipping goes for?
Do you think dates are easy to grow?

A 15 pound box of seconds costs $29.00 (which is way cheap for Medjools) and ships for $9.60. The mixed seconds cost $23.00, again for 15 pounds. At least to me here in MD that's what it cost. You can call them at 1-760-359-3211 and ask them. They are awesome folks to deal with. Ask for Anjou.
Tell 'em Lucy sent 'ya!;)

[Veganforlife]

Oops forgot. Not sure if they are easy to grow. I think you'd have to have ideal climate. Check out their web site. Or again, ask them.

[RawNnyc]

Faithfullyfit,

That sounds awesome! With the pecan. Okay, I want more dates already! hahahah but yeah, I guess I'm not drinking enough water to push them through because I'm extremely bloated and constipated! NO wonder! haha.....thanks for all the info. guys!!!! (girls?!) And the positive reinforcement misslinda! :o

It's only two weeks and I'm already learning so much!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to be 100% comfortable with everything!

[RawNnyc]

Hi RawNnyc -

dates and figs can be a bit tricky regarding the processing. Some dates (like the ones at WF, unfortunately) are subjected to rehydration in hot water or steam. Figs can also be subjected to similar type things, depending on the grower/processer.

Awww.....that really sucks! I've been so happy thinking I'm 100% raw.......I guess not though. But now I know.........thanks for the info. I guess the ones I just bought I'll give to a bum on the street? hahaha Seriously, my fiance won't eat them cos he's not used to such healthy food or not into trying new things by choice.....and I'm not eating them anymore! I want to do this 100%. It's all or nothin for this girl!;)

[RowanC]

You gotta try Barhi dates, people. They're soft and golden like little caramels. No soaking is required. I just love them... such a different taste from Medjools.

[darkchild]

You gotta try Barhi dates, people. They're soft and golden like little caramels. No soaking is required. I just love them... such a different taste from Medjools.

I was just going to say that! You beat me to it :mad: ;)

Aren't they yummy?


Dawn

[BrianC]

how long would 15 pounds of dates last one person? are they okay to keep that long?

[veganman]

Hi Brian -

it really depends on how many dates you eat. It is about 3 - 4 gallons of dates. As long as you keep them refrigerated, you should be fine.

[Davylp25]

Howdy....

Was wondering... To those people who have ordered from Date People, What type of dates comes in a mixed box? I usually only try Medjools, But was wondering, if you order say a 10 pound box of a mixed variety, How many different ones would you get?

What are their best ones?

Love dates... Sometimes I would get so pissed at whole foods, I would purchase them and when I got them home, they would be so hard, soaking didn't help. That was years ago. I usually get it from better sources.

[Veganforlife]

All different kinds. It could be one or a couple of:
Barhi
Barhi Fingerling
Black Dates
Black Abbada
Black Fingerling
Black Plum
Black Premo
Carelita
Daisin
Deglet Noor Natural
Deglet Noor Bread
Desert Gem
Empress
Halawi
Honey Dates
Khadrawi
Krinkles
Mecca Gold
Medjool Large
Peanut Butter
Purples
Red Dates
Saidi Like
Sahar
and many others!
here again is their web site. Wonderful folks to deal with.
www.datepeople.net
Just mention my name - lucy!!!

[Veganforlife]

I freeze mine. They keep fine.

[RowanC]

Oh man, they are delicious! I'd never go back to medjools. I love barhis because I never have to soak them either....once in a while for cheesecake I'll soak, but most of the time I don't. They're so soft already. Plus I just love the flavor.

I hated dates until I found barhis.

You know, if you usually soak your dates, you can purchase them at a much better price if you ask for LAST year's dates. They're basically a bit dehydrated from sitting in the coolers, but they're still very good and some people prefer them because they are often a bit crystalized and sweeter. You can sometimes save up to $10 per box!!

[faith4u]

A 15 pound box of seconds costs $29.00 (which is way cheap for Medjools) and ships for $9.60. The mixed seconds cost $23.00, again for 15 pounds. At least to me here in MD that's what it cost. You can call them at 1-760-359-3211 and ask them. They are awesome folks to deal with. Ask for Anjou.
Tell 'em Lucy sent 'ya!;)


Oh my goodness!! I cannot say a big enough Thank You!! You are not kidding....this is such a deal. They are half the price of what I normally pay. I just ordered a box. Thanks for sharing this information with us.

[rawpriestess]

I love dates in my brownies, and almond milkshakes, I eat these almost every day, they are also excellent as my sweetener of choice, although I do like agave' nectar too.

but dates are my number one choice medjools,

they are jewels for sure topaz jewels, much better than thinking of them a bugs, UGH!!

Misslinda, you is naughty :o)

[RawFoodieMom]

:confused: Okay, I'm confused with the date people's website. All it shows is a link to a PDF file, so I download the PDF file, and it says there are 8 pages but there is only something on the first page. The other 7 pages I'm getting nothing. :confused:

Is it just me?

Is there supposed to be a list of products and prices? Is there another link? Help please... ;)

Debra

[Davylp25]

Hey.^^ Yeah I looked at it as well. That's not a purchasing website, it's like the history of dates, lol!

And Lucy, That list totally overwhelms me, I have only tried Medjools, and Bhadari, I have no clue about the rest?

Any advice?

[faith4u]

:confused: Okay, I'm confused with the date people's website. All it shows is a link to a PDF file, so I download the PDF file, and it says there are 8 pages but there is only something on the first page. The other 7 pages I'm getting nothing. :confused:

Is it just me?

Is there supposed to be a list of products and prices? Is there another link? Help please... ;)

Debra


Hi Debra,

They don't have a website to order from. You have to call them. If you want a catalog they will send you basically a sheet of paper with the prices of all the different varieties of dates that they sell.

Hope this helps!

[faith4u]

And Lucy, That list totally overwhelms me, I have only tried Medjools, and Bhadari, I have no clue about the rest?

Any advice?

Don't worry about which to try. I have yet to eat a date that I didn't love!! Well except for hard ones but I usually put those aside for soaking.

Just try any of them. I am sure you will like them!

[Veganforlife]

You guys should call them. Leave a message if you don't get anyone. They are awesome folks to deal with!

[Veganforlife]

The very last page of the PDF file is a listing of what is what.
E-mail me and I'll shoot you off a copy
heididog@qis.net

[RowanC]

I"ve been buying dates for over 10 years. I go to Palm Desert very year and buy them directly.

When I get home, I transfer a portion of my dates into glass jars with tight lids. The rest stay in the box they come in. I've kept them this way up to a year. They're fine. They continue to develop sugar, and in the case of one jar that was stored too high in the kitchen where it was warm, they will ferment and create a pretty nice liquor! ::laughing:: But that's only happened once and we just let them ferment, then ate them one at a time. YUM!

Keep them in a cool place. They do not have to be refrigerated nor do they need to be frozen, unless you just like doing it or unless you live in an extremely warm house/climate.

[Linda1970]

A 15 pound box of seconds costs $29.00 (which is way cheap for Medjools) and ships for $9.60. The mixed seconds cost $23.00, again for 15 pounds. At least to me here in MD that's what it cost. You can call them at 1-760-359-3211 and ask them. They are awesome folks to deal with. Ask for Anjou.
Tell 'em Lucy sent 'ya!;)

Hi Lucy,

I was wondering where you got that price. I looked at the website and it says that 15 lb is about $40. :confused: Thanks...

[Veganforlife]

These are seconds.

[Ama]

What exactly is a second when it comes to dates? Lucy... do they sell seconds in smaller quantities? I don't know if I could find storage for THAT many dates.... I live in a small apt.

[Linda1970]

These are seconds.

I'm sorry, Lucy, but can you explain what exactly defines second? Gosh, I feel kind of stupid asking.

[faith4u]

I'm sorry, Lucy, but can you explain what exactly defines second? Gosh, I feel kind of stupid asking.

They are usually imperfect items. So I would say that they are probably dates that don't look as good as the ones you normally get. I could be wrong though, since I just ordered mine and won't get them for awhile.

[Veganforlife]

faith4u - you are right. They are also ones that have gone to "sugar", which is a naturally happening thing.
I love them! They get crunched up anyway, so split open, sugared, whatever, they are okay to me for that price!

[Veganforlife]

What exactly is a second when it comes to dates? Lucy... do they sell seconds in smaller quantities? I don't know if I could find storage for THAT many dates.... I live in a small apt.
I would suggest calling and asking. Dunno. I have a large freezer in my garage that I keep mine in.

[ItsSimplyAmazing]

This is wonderful, I just had my first dates a few days ago - man Im trying a ton of things I have never tried before in my life since going raw! lol

Im defiently going to bookmark that site and order in a few weeks!
So when you call just ask if they have seconds to sell? and they will quote a different price then on the site Im assuming :)

Im going to have to go pop a nut in a date and see what it tastes like now! lol

Thanks for the heads up and link!! seems like a great company to deal with and I live in VA so if youre quoting that price for shipping to MD Im guessing itd be the same to me

appreciate the tips!

[Veganforlife]

[QUOTE=ItsSimplyAmazing;236079]So when you call just ask if they have seconds to sell? and they will quote a different price then on the site Im assuming :) QUOTE]

Yes, that simple! It should be close to what I quoted earlier in the thread. I don't know if they sell smaller quantities then 15 pounds. Not sure about that. Again ask...
That's great trying all kinds of new stuff. It's fun, isn't it? You body is giggling too!!! :D

[ItsSimplyAmazing]

I already am eyeing the 15lb bunches ... if I got something Id GET something LOL if they keep as long as everyone says ... might as well save in the long run and get a load of them to always play with ... thats my opinion though ;)

now the thing is if I got a mixed batch do they come seperated and labeled so I could identify them LOL probably not ... with me learning about sooo many different new things I wouldnt know one date from another so just curious or anyone ask them to seperate them into kinds labeled for a newbie if they dont normally do that?

[Veganforlife]

No, they are all together. If you prefer a 15# box of medjool seconds, request that...

[Veganforlife]

Maybe when you get them, if you get mixed, do a google image search for the various kinds I listed earlier and match them up. Dunno
::shrugging shoulders::

[Ama]

I already am eyeing the 15lb bunches ... if I got something Id GET something LOL if they keep as long as everyone says ... might as well save in the long run and get a load of them to always play with ... thats my opinion though ;)

now the thing is if I got a mixed batch do they come seperated and labeled so I could identify them LOL probably not ... with me learning about sooo many different new things I wouldnt know one date from another so just curious or anyone ask them to seperate them into kinds labeled for a newbie if they dont normally do that?

I was thinking the same thing. I'd like to try the different kinds but would like to know which is which.

[Veganforlife]

When you call ask them. Maybe they could do a box with just a couple kinds. Again - dunno...
To me it doesn't matter. Dates is dates is dates is dates...

[Ariannah]

The dates I am able to buy locally are Iranian, and they're organically produced.

http://moshkanco.com/

[ItsSimplyAmazing]

can I just say OMG to the medjool dates??? LOL I had bought 2 lil containers 1 medjool and 1 deglet ... I had only tried the deglet ones in the chocolate mousse (pudding imo lol ) I made yesterday and 1 by itself.... just a bit ago I popped some almonds into the medjool date to try and WOW!! YUM YUM YUM and by itself it was yummy ... dang Im hooked! haha now I will say I prefer medjool over deglet ;)

[Smoothie]

Oh man, they are delicious! I'd never go back to medjools. I love barhis because I never have to soak them either....once in a while for cheesecake I'll soak, but most of the time I don't. They're so soft already. Plus I just love the flavor.

I hated dates until I found barhis.

You know, if you usually soak your dates, you can purchase them at a much better price if you ask for LAST year's dates. They're basically a bit dehydrated from sitting in the coolers, but they're still very good and some people prefer them because they are often a bit crystalized and sweeter. You can sometimes save up to $10 per box!!


I love the barhis too. If you freeze them....they become chewy like carmels. They actually taste like CARMEL!!!!. You don't get that with the other types, I've tried.

I always have frozen barhi's in our freezer.........When I want something sweet, that's what I eat. They become so sweet that you can actually feel the sugar making your teeth ache. .:)

[Linda1970]

now the thing is if I got a mixed batch do they come seperated and labeled so I could identify them

Yes. I bought a a mixture of 8 different varieties, and they were nicely separated and labeled.

[veganman]

Here are some descriptions of different types of dates.....scroll down to the dates.....it is alphabetical.

http://www.all-creatures.org/recipes/i-fruit.html

[misslinda]

Veganman, THANKS that is a great chart for the fruits!

I would love to try these Bahri dates--sounds to yummy!

[misslinda]

Veganman, btw, I checked out that site on your siggy and gonna order the figs and hawaiian dates from 'em. How'd you hear about them?

[Veganforlife]

Veganman - thank you! Great reference chart. That's getting printed and put into my files! Cool!
::two thumbs up::

[veganman]

Hi Miss Linda -

a raw foodist friend of mine and myself started the company this past year. We just went live with the website last week.

Thanks for looking!


Drake

[Ama]

Lucy... thanks so much for your info on the datepeople. I just spoke with Anjou and ordered a sampler... just waiting on the invoice and I'll be dropping my money in the mail. I can't wait to try all the different dates. She said there are no Barhi left which I was disappointed about but I figure I can try them out next time I order. I used to get the Barhi string years ago from a fruit vendor and have never been able to find them again, I was put on the list for the next harvest... they are so yummy!

[thru_her_eyes]

are they still in season, just last month my friend and i drove from where we live in california to tuscon,arizona and we passed dateland we stopped and it was like heaven wow dates everywhere but i checked there website dateland and they dont have large medjools right now? do the date people have em please say yes lol

[Ama]

Yes the datepeople have them. I just decided on a sampler because I ALWAYS get medjool dates.