Question about dates

[Pop Tart]

I just purchased some lovely organic, fresh dates and was wondering how long they last? I have them in the fridge, and I know I'll be eating them quickly, but I'll purchase more at a time if they last a while.
Thanks!

[reina80]

I've kept them for about two weeks in an airtight container in the cupboard and they were still good. I suppose others might know better but that's been my experience.

[klomasius]

I buy them in big 5kg lots that last me a month. I keep them at room temp for that long or longer and have never had any problems. The high sugar content is a natural preservative.

[nadien alexandra]

I also keep mine at room temperature and have had one box for at least a month with no problem. I can't speak for longer, as I've always eaten them within that time. :E

[DebB]

I didn't know you could keep them at room temperature. I store mine in the fridge as I get 5 pounds at a time.

I once contacted the date supplier for our Costco and he said that he and his wife freeze their dates (for their own consumption). So, I know that's a possibility, although I never have.

Okay - I found his email to me, so I'll just cut and paste it in case anyone's interested:

Dear Debbie,
We also believe that the very best long-term storage of dates is to freeze them. We do not, however, recommend bags unless they are specifically dedicated long-term freezer bags. Most are not and will only support freezing for a relatively short period of time without significant moisture loss.
My wife takes these extra precautions:
1: She accomplishes the project at the earliest possible time after harvest (for Medjool, now),(for Deglet Noor, very soon) in order to preserve the "fresh" taste and texture.
2: She places them in the refrigerator first in order to make them more solid for easier handling and to help prevent them from sticking together in the freezer.
3: She uses very heavy bags and has (at times) even used a vacuum sealing bag system and only fills the bags such that the dates form 1 layer.
4: She places the sealed bags inside large heavy Rubbermaid or Tupperware freezer storage containers.
5: She uses a dedicated freezer with a frozen temperature at or below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
6: When she wants to thaw and use some dates, she allows them to thaw in the refrigerator until they have equalized to refrigerator temperature.
7: Our family prefers the fruit be "just like off the tree" so she allows it to rise to room temperature before serving.
8: If the dates have dried ( even VERY dry ), she places them in one layer, inside a steamer basket or strainer, over a very large pot (8 quart or larger) of PREVIOUSLY boiling hot water, just off the heat, covers with a moist towel and allows the dates to rest for about an hour. This process gently rehydrates the fruit and I must attest that afterward it's almost impossible to determine which is fresh picked and which is a year old frozen / rehydrated date. If you "steam" the dates over live steam, the essential color, texture and flavor will change; not a "bad" thing, just not that fresh date taste, etc.
9: For use in baked products, a simple light steaming or even soaking over-dry dates in warm water will soften the fruit sufficiently so as to be an appropriate ingredient.
Our dates are held in cold storage throughout the packing season from harvest until the pack/ship cycle. This helps establish a fresher taste and appearance by not disturbing the nature of the fruit until just before packing. Our recommendation is to purchase several packages at the onset of the season so that you can personally freeze them for even better results than possible in our packinghouse. Sincerely,
SunDate LLC
Craig Schwab

[snoops]

I keep them in the fridge and do not use them a lot. I have had them in there for up to a year (!) and they have been a little dry but fine in whatever recipe I used them in!

[Mrs. Papaya]

I have left dates in the fridge for months with no problem.

[Raw Angel Mom]

In your fridge, they will keep yes for months. I love this aspect of the date.

[Pop Tart]

Thanks everyone, it seems I can purchase more from now on.
Another question though.....Other than their wonderful taste and sweetness, what makes a date good for you? Do they have any other benefits?
Thanks again!

[DebB]

They're high in fiber. I believe they're also high in certain minerals... *Ü*

[Stina]

And they are high in calories, that's actually a Good thing on the raw food diet! Aren't they an absolutely wonderful snack? My job taking care of senior citizens can be really taxing and I love taking dates to work for quick energy snack. It keeps me from reaching for cooked food.

[Lovejamie]

wow, the first thread I open and I learned alot. Dates are one of my favorite snacks too. I keep them in my pantry and they have always kept fine for me. Its good to know that they are high in fiber.