Why are dates so popular among people? Is it likely that this is due to their naturally existing sugar content, their capacity for filling, or the fact that they keep longer before going bad? All three are true!
You must make sure dates are constantly in excellent condition in order to fully appreciate these advantages as well as others.
In this post, we’ll concentrate on how to properly store them and identify ruined food.
A Few Things You Can Do to Keep Dates Safe
It is critical to store dates properly to guarantee that they’re safe to eat. We will discuss the three main ways you can store your dates and be assured they will not go bad.
1. Storing them in the pantry
If you take or consume dates regularly, storing them in the pantry may be the best option. If you’re going to keep them in the pantry, make sure they’re in an airtight container, a cool place, and away from moisture.
2. Putting the dates in the refrigerator
When you put dates in the fridge, you manage to save part of their moisture, even though dates don’t have a lot of it. Ensure they’re in a well-sealed bag or an airtight container before storing them in the fridge.
3. Storing them in the freezer
The most effective method for storing dates is to freeze them because it extends their shelf life. To keep the dates from contracting cold air, seal them in a bag and layer them with additional plastic wrap. Dates freeze well due to their high sugar content compared to other fruits, and they don’t need to be prepared ahead of time.
Duration of Dates
Dates’ shelf life will vary depending on the variety and storage technique. Dried grapes may be kept in the pantry, away from any moisture, for about three months. They may keep in the fridge for six to twelve months if properly stored. They can survive up to three years if they are properly maintained in the freezer and adhere to all storage guidelines.
Since you have no clue how long dried dates have been at the grocery store before you bought them, always check the production date before storing them. Especially if you plan to retain them for a long time, this is crucial.
In the pantry, fresh grapes, often referred to as semi-dried grapes remain for up to six weeks. They shouldn’t be kept for any longer than this or they will go bad. Compared to dried dates, fresh dates keep in the fridge for a shorter period of time. 12 to 14 months of storage is great if you’re freezing.
How to Spot Dates’ Spoilage?
First, you need to know that dates do not spoil as quickly as other fruits. That being said, it doesn’t mean they won’t spoil if not properly handled. If you spot the following signs in your dates, just know they are long overdue and should be disposed of with immediate effect.
- Change in color – Dates’ color changes are very common, and this is most especially due to their high sugar content. They will, in turn, change to white. This, however, is not a red flag. Usually, spoiled dates become darker than their usual color.
- Change in smell – If you’ve never encountered dates before, you should start by knowing the scent of dates first so that you can tell the difference between the before and after smell. Usually, dates do not have a noticeable or strong smell. If you happen to notice a different kind of smell, mostly that of a rotten item, then the chances are that your dates are due, and they should be discarded.
• Presence of mold – Since naturally, dates have very low water content, they will require very extreme conditions to get moldy. Hence, if you spot any dark-green growing substance on the dates, that’s mold.
• Change in taste – If you have not spotted mold, the smell is still the same and there is no visible color change, and you are still in doubt, consider tasting them. The dates are already spoiled if the taste is off (not as the usual dates’ taste).