Date Paste
A dark brown, intensely sweet natural sweetener made by pitting and mashing dates into a smooth paste. Stands out as an alternative to sugar.
What Is Date Paste?
Date paste is a natural sweetener made by blending pitted dates with some water into a smooth paste consistency. It is generally prepared from Medjool or similar soft date varieties.
It has a dark brown color, a dense-sticky consistency, and a caramel-like sweetness; thanks to its fiber content, it offers a "fuller" sense of sweetness compared to white sugar.
Nutritional Values of Date Paste
100 grams of date paste contains approximately 280 kcal of energy; it carries intense natural sugar from dates and a moderate level of fiber. Values vary with the date variety used, and are approximate.
How Should Date Paste Be Consumed?
Date paste is used in measured amounts as a sweetener, as part of a balanced diet; being natural does not eliminate its intense sugar content.
This information is general; date paste is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. Moderate consumption is recommended for those monitoring blood sugar.
How Should Date Paste Be Selected?
Good date paste has a dark brown color, a natural caramel-like date smell, and an ingredients list showing only dates (and water).
- Ingredients list should show only dates (and water)
- Color should be dark brown, uniform
- Smell should be naturally caramel-like date, not sour/fermented
How Should Date Paste Be Stored?
Date paste can be stored in a closed container in the refrigerator for a few weeks; it also lasts a short time at room temperature, but a cool environment extends its shelf life.
Using Date Paste in the Kitchen
Date paste is most often used in energy balls, homemade granola bars, cake and cookie doughs in place of white sugar, and as a smoothie sweetener.
Can Date Paste Be Substituted for Sugar One-to-One?
Generally partly; since date paste is more moist than sugar, it is recommended to reduce the liquid amount in the recipe accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can date paste be made at home?
Yes; pitted dates are soaked briefly in hot water to soften and then easily blended into a paste.
Since date paste is "natural," can it be consumed without limit?
No; even though it comes from a natural source, it carries an intense sugar content, so like other sweeteners it is recommended to be consumed in moderation.
Is date paste found in Turkey?
It can be found in gourmet markets and places selling healthy-eating products, and can also be easily made at home.