What kind of dates to use and where to find?

[Kris21]

Hi All, I'm new to the site!! I have a question about dates, in Alyssa's book she uses dates a lot, but I can't find where she says what kind she uses. Can anyone help me? I know she soaks them, but wasn't sure what kind, are they dried? Also, I went to wholefoods yesterday and they didn't have them in. Where can I buy them and do they have to say raw on the package? Thanks!

[Veganforlife]

I think the most popular kind is medjool. But there is much info about the different kinds. Did you a try a search on this forum?

I get mine from www.datepeople.net

[Eva]

They are GREAT!!! I got some dates from them and was SO pleased. Their ordering process is "so 90's" though! :eek::)

[Veganforlife]

So 90's????? Meaning??? They are too busy picking dates to worry about being up with the latest ordering process. I just called, ordered and they came. Simple - I love it!
They also offer sample boxes of all the different kinds.

[Kris21]

I did search the forum and was unable to find any info. on whether they were dried or not.

[Veganforlife]

They are raw. Dried? I don't understand...sorry, don't mean to be dense, but... :confused:

[Eva]

So 90's????? Meaning??? They are too busy picking dates to worry about being up with the latest ordering process. I just called, ordered and they came. Simple - I love it!
They also offer sample boxes of all the different kinds.
Meaning you don't type in your credit card number online and order, receive a confirmation, etc.

You call them, place the order, leave a message if they're on the other line. They send you an invoice with the dates rather than charging a card. You send a check in the mail. It's old school.

I got the sample box with so many options. SO good.

[Veganforlife]

AH! I understand that now. As far as the dried question - when dates mature, they become shriveled (dried) and are ready...

[Kris21]

Yeah, I didn't really understand the dried thing either, but when I went to the store, they said they were either with the dried nuts or in the produce section, so it kinda threw me off!

[rayofsunshine]

I have been getting my medjool dates from WFS bulk bins. Is there any reason that the rest of you order on-line? Has it been shown that the WFS dates are not raw?

Thanks for any clarity.

[Veganforlife]

I don't have a WFS near me - that's my reason.

[Kris21]

The wholefoods near me says they were out, and I have heard from a lot of people that they don't always carry dates all the time. At your wholefoods what and where are the bulk bins?

[rayofsunshine]

The bulk bins are the first aisle next to the seafood and meat area. They are with the baking items, where I get my raw honey and agave.

[raweater]

MY grocery store has fresh and dried datesyear long, and I'm in Canada. There is definatly a difference between the fresh ones (still with the pit in them) and dried ones which are normally pitted. Recipes normally ask to soak dried ones for 20 minutes if you can't get them fresh.

[carolg]

I believe Costco has them. Think near nuts area if I remember correctly.
carolg

[Kris21]

Those who buy them online, are they pitted? I appreciate everyones feedback, thanks!!

[veganman]

Hello everyone!

We have found that the dates at WFS and most other larger retail stores are usually from Oasis or a company similar in where they will often freeze the dates or rehydrate with steam or warm/hot water if too dry.

Hope this helps!

[rayofsunshine]

Veganman,

Thanks for the research on WFS dates. I will probably start buying mine from the date people then.