not a fan of dates

[Pedstone]

I've tried them many times and do not care for them...i've tried them in desserts and other things also and still not liking them...so I need a substitution for dates in receipes. I know they are used for sweetness and stickiness...is honey or a syrup on ok replacement??? :confused:

[Dimond]

Were they truly raw, fresh, organic dates? Because that makes a huge difference in taste. I use to not be a big fan of them. Now I'm addicted to them.

You can use other sweeteners as a substitute in recipes. Though if they're for consistency, it depends on the recipes. Avocado or coconut can often be used. Or you can try other dried fruit.

[Pedstone]

I got them in the organic section and I think they were raw, but not 100% sure...I'll keep trying them and hopefully I'll grow to like them...i've been doing that with avocados and am slowly coming around to those :)

[Shels]

Were they truly raw, fresh, organic dates? Because that makes a huge difference in taste. I use to not be a big fan of them. Now I'm addicted to them.

This this this. :p
See if you can get your hands onto FRESH, raw, un-pitted, un-dried dates (preferably medjool), and then see what you think. ;) The type also makes a huge difference. I still don't like haveli dates, but medjool and black sphynx are incredible.

Anyways, for flavor you can use raw honey or agave nectar, or stevia. Maple syrup can be useful as well but is not raw. For the texture... hmmm, that's a tough one. Perhaps blending up cashews (as if you were going to make a nut butter out of them) and stopping while they are bread-like, after balling up but before dispersing oil.

[Dimond]

If they were in the store, they're likely not good unless you knew this for sure when purchasing. Dried fruit is rare to find raw in the store. They're still dried just sun-dried. Usually online is the best place for them though many are running out till the fall. Or if you know of a reliable farmer/supplier in your area.

They're better than candy when you find the good ones. I can eat pounds of them which is why I'm not allowed any right now. ;)

[Pedstone]

I found them in the refrigerated area with the rest of the organic fruits/veggies. I got them in bulk. I keep looking and see if I can find other place to get them.

thanks.

[edenvegan]

I get my dates from Win-Co grocery store in the bulk section pitted, and they are great pureed with soaked almonds to make a pie crust. Still, I bet you could use raisins for stickiness, sweetness in recipes, but it won't be the same sweetness as dates.

[Dimond]

Pitted dates, unless you know the company pits them without using any heat, are not raw. They usually also add something to these dates to make them taste good. There is a couple of date farmers that I believe are the exception to that.

[drolemil]

Dates can be replaced by pretty much any sticky dried fruit, though of course it will change the flavor. Try prunes, raisins, and dried bananas, apricots, and figs, or whatever you feel will fit best. :D I love to get creative with this, 'cause it's boring only using dates all the time. :p

[DopeRawAbundance]

I vomited in my mouth a little when I read the thread title. And it tasted good cuz it was dates.

[Dimond]

The Jewel Date Company (aka Shields Date Gardens) stated: There is only one way that Deglets are processed for pitting. We steam them at 120 degrees and than they are ready for de-pitting. They have about 23% moisture when they are done. Across the industry, this is the only method for pitted Deglet Noors.

Not sure if this is the same for all pitted dates, but I have only found them not raw so far.

Another issue is that sun dried dates left in sun can be at higher temperatures than raw. Some will say this is fine, while others will only go with companies that use shade and other methods to offset the heat. Guess it depends on how much that matters to you.

[valkyriesmyst]

I vomited in my mouth a little when I read the thread title. And it tasted good cuz it was dates.
LOL...

My favorite dates are the Barhi variety. They are soft like caramels and melt in your mouth. I'm not fortunate enough to score fresh ones here. I'm not sure how these would work but figs, while not as soft might provide the same texture as dried dates. I get some good dried figs that have a coating of natural sugar on the outside that I really love.

[DebB]

Azure Standard (http://www.azurestandard.com/) delivers to MN - they carry wonderful tasting organic unpitted medjool dates. You can buy 1# or a box of 5#. I love ordering through Azure! *Ü*

[OldSchoolMedjool]

This this this. :p
See if you can get your hands onto FRESH, raw, un-pitted, un-dried dates (preferably medjool), and then see what you think. ;) The type also makes a huge difference. I still don't like haveli dates, but medjool and black sphynx are incredible.

THIS

I bet you can guess what kind I would recommend! (read the name :D)

Make sure you pick the seed out! LOL… I have had those go into my recipe unfortunately! They are best to refrigerate to increase its shelf life so they don't dry out on you.

An alternative could be agave/yacon and processed macadamia nuts. I say those because those turn into a paste.