Known as ‘nature’s fudge’, Medjoul dates bring a healthy, caramelly indulgence to both sweet and savoury dishes. They pack a hefty nutritional punch into each mouthful, and athletes tell us they love them for their slow release of sugars.
Chop them into granola, whizz them into smoothies, add them to flapjacks or use them to make the best brownies and sticky toffee puddings! Try Zaytoun’s quick recipe for date and nut bites, or their almond-stuffed chocolate dates.
They’re not just for those of us with a sweet tooth either! Include them for depth and richness in savoury stews and tagines, add to rice, maftoul or freekeh pilafs, and they’re delicious chopped into a salad.
Medjouls love a filling, and can be stuffed with an almond, cheese or peanut butter for a wholesome energy boost, or filled and covered in chocolate for a decadent dessert. Sometimes, though, simple is best and we enjoy them on their own with a cup of coffee at mid-morning, although we wouldn’t say no to a Medjoul date with a square of dark chocolate popped inside!
But, at the end of the day (and I like a couple as dessert), simply enjoy them as they are.