Date and Oat Slice Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you use date paste instead of sugar? ›

When substituting granulated sugar for Date Paste use a 1:1 ratio where for every 1 cup of sugar use 1 cup of Date Paste instead. If you are using it as a substitute for maple syrup use a 2:1 ratio where you double the amount of Date Paste per required amount of maple syrup.

Sweet recipes

Dates can be used as a sweetener in baking either added in whole, as a syrup, or made into date sugar, which can be bought at markets or made at home. They can be chopped and added to cookies, breads, and other baked goods to add a touch of sweetness and texture.

Why is date paste good for you? Because, in addition to being a great natural sugar substitute and better for you than refined sugars, dates have many health benefits including: Being high in fiber, which is incredibly important for digestion. Being a source of potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese and B vitamins.

“Dates are particularly great as a complete sugar substitute because, unlike sugar, they have so many positive accompanying substances,” explains food author and nutrition expert Dagmar von Cramm, when we ask “are dates healthy?” They add the fruit is high in minerals like potassium, copper, and iron.

Yes, dried dates contain nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, sugars, minerals (calcium, zinc, iron, phosphorous, etc.) and vitamins (B1, B2, C, etc.). It also contains various bioactive compounds like tannins, carotenoids, polyphenols, etc.

Dried dates are ready to use straight away - just slice off from the block or pick as many of you need from the box, but you can also soak them in a liquid like tea or various types of alcohol, to boost flavour and moisture.

Soaking dates is optional and depends on personal preference. Some people prefer soaked dates for a softer texture, while others enjoy them as they are. If you like a softer consistency or plan to use dates in recipes like smoothies or desserts, you can soak them in water for a few hours or overnight.

Daily Uses for Date Paste

Whisk it into salad dressings to help emulsify and add a hint of sweetness. Swirl it into morning oatmeal. Sweeten a smoothie or fruit-based nice cream. Add it to soups, stews, chilis, or sauces that need a bit of sweetness.

Yes, you can use date paste in coffee to replace sugar and other sweeteners at a ratio of 1:1.

Date paste does not fall into the category of added sugar. It is simply a dehydrated version of dates, and it manages to maintain the fruit's nutritional content, such as fibre. It is, therefore, classified as a naturally occurring sugar.

Does date paste need to be refrigerated? ›

Date paste will last safely up to 3 months in the refrigerator, however after 1 month it may start to dry out. Keep the paste sealed in an airtight container in the fridge to use as needed. You can also freeze date paste for up to 1 year! Simply put it in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag.