What makes dates so sweet

New research in mice examines the impact of a Western diet on cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders. Are dates healthful? Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. Five benefits Nutritional information Risks and considerations How to eat dates Summary Dates are high in natural sugar, so many people think they may not be good for them. Five benefits of eating dates.

Share on Pinterest Dates are high in fiber and potassium. Nutritional information. Risks and considerations. How to eat dates. Share on Pinterest Add dates to smoothies for extra nutritional value. Latest news Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Related Coverage. Clean eating: What does the research say?

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Dates are sticky, especially on the inside, because of their natural sugars and they still have some moisture left. These two factors combine to make dried dates a sticky, thick fruit that can actually keep many recipes together. Sugar is a natural thickener, though you need to sue large amounts, like you would for a jar of jam.

Dates are dried, not dehydrated. A bit of moisture left, plus all that natural sugar makes for a very soft interior, just like dried plums. And once you cut or bite into it, it will stick to whatever it touches. Cutting dried dates is never fun. But you can make it easier if you run the knife under hot water before each slice. They should also have a slit where the pit was removed. Slice the date lengthwise, pop the pit out. It will be sticky and it will not come out easily, like if you squeezed it.

A bit of the dried fruit will stick to the stone. There are some dates that are already pitted, but may instead be stuffed with various food items. Nuts, almonds, bits of other fruit like raisins, and so on.