How and how long to store dates at home

In the East, the date is proudly called “bread of the desert.” This is one of the most ancient fruits grown by humans. Dates are tasty, nutritious, satisfy hunger well and saturate the body with useful substances. In addition, they can be stored for quite a long time. In this article we will talk about how to properly store dates at home.

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Dates contain the highest percentage of carbohydrates compared to other fruits - 60-65%. They contain 23 types of amino acids and many microelements: iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, etc. Many nutritionists advise eating dates instead of sweets. Let's find out how to choose and store this unique fruit correctly.

Fresh dates

Storing fresh dates is as comfortable as possible in a cold place.
They should not be left in the heat for a long time. And even more so when exposed to sunlight, where they will deteriorate in just a few hours. You can store fresh dates in the refrigerator (at +5°C) for 2 weeks. But if the temperature is lower (+1°C) and the air humidity is 50%, the shelf life of fresh dates can be increased.

The fruits are carefully examined in order to notice in time those that have begun to rot. One such date can destroy all stocks.
Fresh dates should not be washed before storing. The destruction of the protective film of the fruit leads to its rapid destruction.
To ensure that fresh dates are stored as efficiently as possible, they are kept in a tightly sealed food container.
Dates that are kept in a closed glass container or paper bag also retain their original quality for a long time.
The optimal storage temperature for dates is 0 - +2 °C. Therefore, they “feel” good in the freshness zone of the refrigerator, located not far from the freezer.
High-quality fresh fruit can retain its properties for up to 2 months. Saving dates for a longer period of time is contraindicated: they will begin to rot.

Dates can also be stored in processed form. They make good preserves, jams, and marinades. And you don’t have to keep them in a cold place. Even in warm conditions they will last for quite a long time.

Benefits of dates

Dates will bring a lot of benefits if you include them in your diet. And this is despite the large amount of sugars in their composition - an impressive part of them are carbohydrates. Therefore, the calorie content of the fruit is high - 277 kcal per 100 g, and when dried it increases slightly, like all dried fruits.

Nevertheless, nutritionists recommend them for consumption. The first reason is the same calorie content - you won’t be able to eat a lot of dates, the feeling of fullness comes very quickly. It’s not for nothing that they were called “bread of the desert” a long time ago. The second reason is the presence of nutrients, fiber, antioxidants. They contain calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and magnesium that are beneficial to the body. In addition to all of the above, they contain vitamins B (and in such quantities that 100 g covers 12% of the daily requirement), A and K.

Let's take a closer look at the beneficial properties:

Improved digestion.
Few people know, but studies have even been conducted to confirm the benefits of dates for the digestive system. A group of people consumed them for one month and all experienced improved peristalsis. Their digestion was normalized in comparison with the data that was obtained at the beginning of the research. By improving digestion, namely by slowing it down, fiber allows you to normalize blood sugar levels - spikes are minimized due to the fact that dates have a low glycemic index.
Reducing the risk of cancer.
Unlike other dried fruits, dates have much more antioxidants. Of particular importance are carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic acid. They protect the body's cells from free radicals, which can cause various diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
Improved brain function.
Again, the main role is played by “date” antioxidants, which protect the brain from inflammation. They can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, improve memory and enhance concentration.
Reducing the risk of vision impairment.
Deterioration of vision is often associated with a deficiency of vitamin A. Dates are rich in vitamin A and carotenoids, which prevent eye diseases and help maintain visual acuity.
Preventing heart disease.
Potassium helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke and other heart diseases. Dates can boast a large amount of this element in their composition. They are also rich in various phytochemicals that also protect a person from heart disease.
Help with anemia.
Dates are a good source of iron, so they can help reduce symptoms of anemia, characterized by chronic fatigue and dizziness. Dates will also be useful for expectant mothers, since during pregnancy they are very susceptible to the appearance of this disease.

Product benefits

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Popularity around the world has appeared due to the presence of a huge amount of useful substances, vitamins and minerals in the fruits. Due to the caloric content of the product, it can become an alternative to the main lunch dish. There are many old legends that dates saved more than one life during the sieges of Muslim cities, when there was no food at all. It’s good that this plant is not picky, so it grew almost everywhere. People consumed dates and water for a very long time, thus saving themselves from hunger. In addition to them, there are scientific facts that prove the benefits of the fruit. Therefore, before studying the storage conditions of dates, you need to find out about their benefits in order to understand whether you really need to consume this product.

They can affect the functioning of the heart. This is especially noticeable with long-term, but normal consumption. The heartbeat returns to normal, and blood pressure becomes optimal. There is plenty of fructose in the product, so it has a primary effect on the brain. It has a good effect on memory and increases performance. People often use them as a means to boost the immune system. Also, due to their sweetness, dates make people move more, smile, work and create. One cannot fail to mention the positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract. A number of studies confirm that the fruit can be used as a medicine for various stomach problems.

Interesting information

With the spread of dates across countries, many legends about their healing properties appeared. For example, one of them says that a pregnant woman felt unbearable pain during childbirth, as the contractions were strong. She prayed to God for it to stop. As a response, a couple of date palm fruits fell on her. The girl ate them and felt relief.

By the way, this process has been scientifically proven. Special components in dates can influence the muscles of the uterus, relax them, which is why the woman does not feel pain as much.

What happens to cereal over time

Regardless of the variety, rice contains starch. During long-term storage, grains become saturated with moisture, which leads to spoilage of the product. A high moisture content creates favorable conditions for the formation of mold fungi, after which it is strictly prohibited to eat such a product even after heat treatment.

How to determine if rice is edible

When buying cereal in a store, choose a product in transparent packaging - this way you can visually assess the quality and appearance of the grain, and the presence of foreign impurities. Preferably, premium rice from domestic suppliers or a foreign product from trusted and well-known manufacturers.

Before using rice grains for cooking, pay attention to the appearance and smell. A good quality product has no foreign odor, the grains are intact, without black inclusions and foreign impurities, insects

A musty smell, the presence of a large number of yellow grains in the cereal, and the formation of lumps indicate that the rice is of poor quality and expired, so it should not be eaten.

There are other ways to determine the quality of rice grains at home:

Pour 1 tbsp into a container with cold water. l. dry rice, mix. The grains should settle to the bottom. If they surface, this indicates that the rice contains substances harmful to the human body; it is better to discard it.
If you set fire to plastic rice, it will immediately catch fire and smell like burnt plastic. Real high-quality cereal is difficult to ignite.
Grind a few grains of rice in a mortar: white powder is a sign of high quality, yellow powder indicates fake rice from China.
If you place an airtight container with cereal in a warm place, after a few days mold should appear in the rice. If this does not happen, you have a low-quality product.

Is it possible to use expired food?

According to established sanitary and epidemiological requirements, it is not recommended to consume expired products, including rice. However, as practice shows, it is permissible to consume cereals after the regulated shelf life if the grains have retained their proper appearance and do not have any foreign odor, mold, or insects. But you can use such rice if the expiration date has recently expired. When several years have passed from the final date of consumption, cereals should not be consumed.

How to choose quality dates

Dried fruits rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and carbohydrates are selected taking into account their appearance, degree of ripening, drying, and the presence of additional processing.

To avoid purchasing a low-quality product, pay attention to the following nuances:

Peel color and integrity. A ripe date has a dark brown, uniform, matte surface, while an unripe date has a yellow surface. If the fruits are quickly dried in an oven, the skin darkens, peels off, and cracks form. This product is not worth buying, as the pulp sticks to the teeth when eaten. Excessively wrinkled peels and a wine smell are signs of an expired or insufficient drying. Wormholes on the surface are formed when infested by pests.
Processing with sugar syrup, fat. To hide imperfections in the peel, make the taste of the fruit more intense and give the product shine, manufacturers often soak dried fruits in sweet water and grease them with fat. After processing, dates attract small debris and become sticky and greasy. These deficiencies are determined by touch.
Consistency of pulp. When buying dried fruits, avoid fruits that are too hard or too soft and choose elastic ones. In the first case, the fruits are dried unripe or they harden from long-term storage. Soft pulp indicates a violation of the drying technology, which leads to the occurrence of rot and mold on the fruit.
Bone. Dates with pits retain more beneficial properties and are less processed.
Foreign odors. If petroleum products or other “chemicals” were used to speed up the drying of dates, the product is unsafe for health.

They refuse to buy overripe fruits. This defect is determined by the presence of voids under the skin.

Attention! Quality dates should be dry to the touch, with a dark brown matte skin without damage and gloss. It is not recommended to purchase fruits with a chemical, sour odor, too wrinkled, hard, soft or candied.

Storage methods at home

To preserve dates, you can use a variety of methods.

Fridge

One of the most suitable places to store product is the refrigerator. The fruits should be placed in glass jars. It is also acceptable to use plastic containers. The prepared product should be placed in the refrigerator. In such conditions, fruits can remain for several months. At the same time, their taste and benefits will be preserved. The temperature should be 0…+5 degrees.

Freezing

Fresh and dried fruits can be frozen. To do this, it is recommended to place them in a plastic container or package them in bags. However, you should not wash the dates. In this form, fruits can remain for 5 years and retain the main amount of nutrients.

Fresh

When buying fruits in a cardboard box, it is permissible to put them in the refrigerator in it. If the fruit was purchased in another container, you can put it in a paper bag. For storing dates, the best option would be a shelf under the freezer. The temperature in this compartment should be 0 degrees.

Fresh fruits should be washed before consumption. This is due to the fact that today fruits are often treated with harmful chemicals to increase shelf life. If there is a white coating on the surface of the fruit or they emit an unpleasant odor, the product will have to be thrown away.

Pressed

Pressed dates can be kept indoors, since they have been subjected to special processing - pasteurization. To prevent food from drying out, they are wrapped in paper. You can also use a plastic bag. It is not advisable to keep dates in the light. It is recommended to put them in a dark and cool place. The shelf life of the product can be seen on the packaging. It stays fresh for quite a long time. However, experts advise eating such dates within 1 year.

Dried

To preserve dried fruits, you should follow these steps:

Place dried fruits in a glass jar or plastic container with a tight lid. Thanks to this, they will not weather, absorb foreign odors or be attacked by insects.
Place the container in the refrigerator. It is worth choosing a compartment with a temperature of 0 degrees.
It is not recommended to mix dates with other fruits. Each variety has its own humidity parameters. Such a proximity will lead to spoilage of the fruit.
Do not wash dried fruits before storing. This will cause the protective oily layer to be removed. Such fruits will quickly deteriorate.
Before eating, dates should be washed in hot water. This will help remove pathogenic microorganisms from their surface.

Shelf life

In the Middle East and other hot climates, the date palm is harvested twice a year: in August and November. The shelf life of fresh fruits from the moment they are picked from the tree is 1-3 months.

The “kings of the oasis” are exported, as a rule, only in dried or dried form. At the same time, their shelf life (subject to storage rules) increases noticeably, namely:

Dates of soft and semi-soft varieties remain fresh at home from six months to a year;
hard fruits do not spoil throughout the year;
Frozen dried fruits are edible for 3-5 years.

Fruits that are covered with a whitish coating outside and inside, as well as those that have fermented or dried out, cannot be eaten.

Rule #7. Use salt

How to store dried fruits in the kitchen cabinet? Many housewives prefer to keep supplies always on hand, rather than taking them out from the attic or pantry every time. It should be remembered that storing fruits and berries in a room with high humidity is not the best option. Steam from pots and splashes from sinks can damage dried foods. You can usually avoid this by using table salt. Just put the salt shaker in the closet next to the jars and bags of your supplies - and be sure that nothing will happen to them.

Remember that dried fruits, like any product, have an expiration date. Raisins, dried apricots, dates and dried berries should be stored for no more than one year. Do not make large stocks, otherwise after twelve months you will have to get rid of numerous jars and bags. Purchase fruits and berries as needed, process them on time and use them for their intended purpose.

Knowing how to properly store dried fruits at home, you can always make healthy supplies for yourself and your loved ones. Let your favorite dishes delight you with all shades of taste!

Recipes

There are many effective recipes based on maclura, each of which has certain characteristics.

Alcohol tincture

Fruit tinctures that combine high performance and ease of use are very popular. You can buy the tincture ready-made or make it yourself. To receive the remedy, it is recommended to do the following:

Wash the fruits under running water. Then it is recommended to cut them into cubes or chop them using a medium grater.
Take a medium-sized container and fill it halfway with chopped fruits.
Add the same volume of ethyl alcohol to the container.
Cover the container with a lid.
Place the dishes in a cool and dark place for 2-6 months.

The prepared tincture should be used for rubbing. It is actively used for arthritis, radiculitis, and rheumatism. For internal use, it is worth following a certain scheme.

It is recommended to follow the following rules:

Start the course of therapy with 2 drops. They should be used 3 times a day.
You should not take the composition in its pure form. Even a few drops need to be mixed with the same volume of water.
After starting to use the substance, you should monitor your condition. In the absence of side effects, every 2 days the amount of tincture is increased by 2 drops. The maximum volume is 30 drops.
After this, you need to reduce the volume of the substance by 2 drops at intervals of 2 days and return to the original dosage.
Then they take a break for 1 week and repeat the course of therapy again.

Fat-alcohol mixture

Alcohol has a disinfectant effect, but can cause skin burns. Therefore, for compresses and rubbing it is worth using a more delicate composition. To do this, it is recommended to mix olive oil with the tincture in equal parts and lightly beat so that the substance does not separate. Instead of olive oil, you can use corn or sunflower oil.

It is worth considering that the oil-alcohol composition has too liquid a consistency. A thicker mixture is made with the addition of pork fat. It is well absorbed into the skin. To prepare the healing composition, internal pork fat should be cut into small cubes and heated in 2-3 steps in a steam bath.

It is important that the composition melts, but does not boil. The lard must be drained, cooled to room temperature and mixed in equal proportions with maclura tincture

The resulting composition must be beaten.

Ointment

This composition has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. To prepare it, it is recommended to perform the following steps:

Melt fresh lard and place in sterile glass jars. It is important that the thickness of this layer is 1 centimeter. Place the same layer of chopped Adam's apple on top. Pour a centimeter layer of melted lard and lay out the maclure again. In this way, it is recommended to fill the entire jar step by step. Cover the container with a lid and place in the oven at the minimum temperature. It is recommended to ensure that the lard does not boil, but is maintained in a liquid state. The container with the substance should remain in the oven for a day

Then it is recommended to carefully strain the composition and pour it into a clean container. Store the ointment in the freezer.

When preparing oil, it is worth adding other ingredients to it that improve its properties. Chamomile extract, palm oil, glycerin are suitable for this. Eucalyptus oil or alanine are also used. The composition can be used for sinusitis, gout, osteochondrosis. Indications also include inflammatory damage to the lymph nodes, radiculitis, eczema, and dermatological pathologies. The ointment is applied 2 times a day. The course of therapy lasts 1 month, then it is worth interrupting for the same period.

Compresses

To make a compress, just soak gauze in the tincture, squeeze lightly and apply to the affected joint. Then you should wrap it in a scarf and hold it for 30 minutes.

Trituration

This procedure is performed for arthritis. To do this, the tincture is actively rubbed into the joint, after which a warming bandage is applied.

Fresh fruits

Many housewives do not know where to store dates. Fresh fruits can be stored in the refrigerator at 0 °C, after placing them in a paper bag. The ideal place for fruit in the refrigerator is the shelf closest to the freezer compartment.

Over time, the fruit begins to deteriorate. One rotten fruit can spoil the rest. To prevent this from happening, check the fruit regularly and remove any rotten ones. If you managed to purchase a product of excellent quality, it can easily spend two months or more in the refrigerator without losing its beneficial properties.

Fresh dates may begin to rot over time.

Remembering how to handle dates

So, let's summarize everything that has been said.

Dry fruits like: glass jars, tight lids, dark, cool places and temperatures of 0 degrees.
Fresh fruits need paper bags and 0 degrees to preserve them.
Dates do not respond well to open air and sun. They begin to disappear.
If you decide to freeze fruits, you will be doing a good deed for them. In this form, the fruit will last for about 5 years.
We decided to store it, then there is no need to wash the fruits.
Do not mix them with other dry fruits.
Correctly selected dates can be stored much longer.

What can you do if the fruits start to spoil?

If apricots stored for storage show the first signs of spoilage, you should immediately sort through the entire crop. Under no circumstances should fruits with defects be stored together with good ones.

Spoiled fruits can be frozen or processed into delicious treats:

jam;
jam;
paste.

If the housewife has absolutely no time for preparations, then you can choose an original recipe from the “Five Minute” series. Overripe apricots are even better for jam. The basic rule of preparation is that the amount of sugar by weight is exactly the same as the amount of fruit. The sorted and washed fruits are covered with the required amount of granulated sugar and left for several hours to release the juice. After this, put it on the stove, bring to a boil and leave for 5 minutes. The resulting mass is cooled and the procedure is repeated, and then sent to jars and preserved.

How to prepare for storage

If any dried fruits have traces of pests, wormholes or rotten areas, such dried fruits are thrown away without regret, as they will cause the destruction of all other fruits.

Storing dried fruits is possible only when they are completely dried. Remaining moisture will lead to the formation of mold and rotting of dried fruits. But you can’t overdry them either - then they will have a bitter taste.
According to all the rules, dried fruits and berries lose 75% - 85% of moisture.
If dried fruits have a higher percentage of moisture than necessary, they are dried first outside (1 day), and then in the oven at +60°C -+75°C for at least 1 hour.

Storage tips

Eating fruit that has become covered with plaque or has an unpleasant odor can lead to poisoning.
Whatever form this product is in, it should be rinsed well before eating.
The glossy surface of the fruit indicates that they have been treated with substances that repel pests. Therefore, such a product should be washed in hot water several times. And if it emits an unnatural odor, you should absolutely not consume it.

We tried to talk in detail about how to store dates at home. Take the advice of experts, and the nutritious sweet product will only bring you pleasure.

Where to buy dates

I am sharing my personal experience. Through trial and error, I realized that high-quality, fresh and truly healthy dates can be found in three places:

In Islamic halal stores. Muslims are scrupulous about the quality of the products they sell; they do not sell untested goods. Even if there is something wrong with the dates, the seller will meet you, change the product or return the money.
In eco-product stores. They specialize in organic, natural products. Therefore, the likelihood of getting low-quality expired dates drops to zero.
At wholesale street markets. There are separate stalls with various dried fruits that you can touch, try and only then buy. But you need to understand well yourself and be able to choose dates. Because market traders often embellish and lie about their products.

I have never been able to buy soft, fresh, tasty dates in such chain stores as Magnit, Lenta, Pyaterochka or Monetka. Perhaps luck will smile on you. But I won't take any more risks.

The richness of taste and sweetness of dates depends on the variety. My favorite is “Caspian” or “Caspiran” from Iran. Fleshy, softest, juicy dates, laid in neat rows in a cardboard box. They easily separate the bone, and the most delicate texture melts in your mouth. An ideal variety for making natural sweets, smoothies, and fruit pastes. And the most delicious combination is dates + milk.

The most delicious variety is “Caspian” or “Caspiran”, sometimes they simply write “Paradise dates”

The best varieties of dates for storage

Rich taste and sweet qualities directly depend on the variety. The coolest varieties are Caspian or Caspirian. These are Iranian fruits with soft, juicy pulp. Here the bones separate well. They are packaged in beautiful cardboard boxes. You can prepare delicious desserts from the fruits in the form of smoothies, fruit pastes, and natural sweets. Dates with milk are considered the most delicious dessert.

How not to make a mistake with your choice

The time during which a healthy treat will not spoil depends largely on its initial condition. How to choose the right exotic product?

Assess the condition and color of the skin. It should be moderately wrinkled and even in color. Dark spots, cracks and whitish coating are indicators of damaged goods.
Touch the skin with your fingers. If it is smooth and matte, the product is of high quality. If it is shiny and sticky, it was boiled in sugar syrup, and you cannot count on a long shelf life for the delicacy.
Bring the fruit to your nose. Do you smell fermented jam? The dates were not dried well, and after being left in the warehouse they managed to turn sour.

Before trying the date, wash it with warm water and break it in half. Sometimes worms or tunnels made by them are found inside the fruits. Unpleasant “surprises” are especially common in seedless dried fruits.

Rule #1. Temperature

Raisins, dates and dried apricots should be stored at home at a temperature not exceeding 15 °C and at a humidity not exceeding 70%. Periodic temperature rises up to 20 °C are allowed. Dried fruits do not like moisture and heat, so they should be kept in a dry and fairly cool room. The best place to store fruits and berries is in a pantry or attic. Only under such conditions will dried products retain all their beneficial properties for a long time.

If you decide to leave supplies of fruits and berries in the kitchen, hide them away in the closet. Make sure that there are no household appliances that emit heat (refrigerator or microwave) near dried foods. You should not store dates and raisins near the kettle and stove. Vapors from cooking food can penetrate containers with dried fruits and cause them to spoil prematurely. Use the farthest corners of the kitchen unit to store supplies.

How to store dates at home?

The most common fruits are in the form of dried fruits. These types are actually much easier to store than fresh product. If a person buys dates in a special package in a store, then he can simply leave them in it. You just need to place the container in the refrigerator. If they are sold in a bag, then before placing it in the refrigerator, you need to make small holes so that the fruits “breathe” and do not spoil.

Typical packaging when purchased in bulk is a plastic bag. How to store dates at home if they were purchased in this form? It is enough to transfer them into a special container or jar, but sometimes open the container to ventilate the dried fruits.

You should not leave the container open, especially in the refrigerator, as dates will quickly absorb all the odors surrounding them.

How to properly store dried dates if you bought a lot of them? The rest can be placed in the freezer. If necessary, you can remove the fruits and leave them in the refrigerator to defrost, and then consume them.

If the product is left at room temperature for a long period of time, then after a few days they will become unusable. Of course, in the case when a person buys dates in compressed form, he can leave them at normal temperature. This type of product will not benefit from long-term storage.

Date and interior

Surely, in offices, many have come across such wonderful plants as the Canarian date, the palmate date, and maybe even the Robelen date (it is also called the Robelini date).

In nature, their trunks can reach more than ten meters in height, and their leaves can reach several meters in length. Distinctive features of the Canary date are narrow blue-green leaves with spines on the petioles. The palmate date has curved leaves, while the Robelini date, on the contrary, has curved leaves and is dark green in color.

There is also jujube, or unabi, in other words, Chinese date. This type of date is also suitable for indoor cultivation, and its advantage compared to other types is that it is the most healing. In its homeland, the date is the elixir of life, and due to its miraculous properties in treating the respiratory tract, it is called the chest berry.

Methods for storing fresh ginger

Optimal storage methods:

In a refrigerator.
In the freezer.

In vacuum containers and bags.
In the soil.

In a refrigerator

When kept in the refrigerator, ginger will remain fresh for a long time and will not lose its taste. Before putting the fresh rhizome into the refrigerator, it must be washed and dried well.

To maintain optimal humidity, it is better to wrap it in cling film or put it in a bag, as when storing bananas. In this case, it is advisable to put a paper napkin in the bag to absorb excess moisture.

The optimal shelf life is up to one month.

Which ginger do you like best?

FreshMarinated

In the freezer

It is recommended to store ginger in the freezer for up to three months. It is not advisable to freeze it without packaging, since it actively absorbs other people's odors and no less actively shares its own. Therefore, before freezing, the root is usually placed in a container or bag, which makes it possible to store champignons or other mushrooms nearby.

You can freeze the whole fruit, or sliced or grated.

If you plan to store it in the freezer, be sure to wash and dry it before storing it. It is better to first lay out the chopped or grated ginger in a thin layer on a plate, and after freezing, put it in a container or bag and place it back in the freezer. This way it will be stored longer, and it will be easier to separate the necessary portions.

After a few days, defrosted ginger begins to lose its pungency. Therefore, it is not recommended to take it out of the freezer in large portions.

In vacuum containers or bags

Advantages of keeping in a vacuum:

Virtually complete absence of air during laying.
Lack of air exchange during storage.

With this method, the root can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the refrigerator and more than one year in the freezer.

In the soil

This method is suitable if it is not possible to put a fresh tuber in the refrigerator or freeze it. To do this, place it in a suitable container and cover it with dry soil. The root prepared in this way can be kept for 2-3 months in a dry, dark and cool place.

This article describes the most popular ways to store ginger. If you follow the above recommendations, you can enjoy its taste for a long time, receiving benefits from consuming this product.

If it is not possible to maintain optimal conditions for preserving the fresh root, it can be easily processed and thereby increase its shelf life. At the same time, the beneficial properties of this plant will be preserved.

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Dried dates

Dates contain many useful substances. These fruits contain vitamins A, E and B. The value of dates is also that they contain amino acids that are very important for the human body and are absent in other fruits. In addition, dates are rich in calcium and phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, iron and zinc, manganese and selenium.

These fruits can strengthen the cardiovascular system and activate the liver and kidneys. Dates are also very useful for people with weak immunity. They need to be added to the diet for viral infections and coughs. Indispensable for people with anemia. Dates are also an excellent remedy for relieving fatigue, because the nutrients and vitamins contained in the fruits tone the body.

Among other things, dates help normalize the acid balance in the body. Once in the intestines, they contribute to the development of beneficial microflora. Doctors recommend eating dates for diabetes. Research shows that regular consumption of dates helps prevent cancer.

As you can see, the benefits of eating dates are simply enormous. Now let's move on to the question of whether you need to wash dates before eating

It is important to understand that dates travel a long way before reaching our table. When fresh, they cannot be stored for too long, so they are dried

Most often this happens naturally, so the delicacy turns out to be the most delicious and healthy.

Some manufacturers resort to industrial drying methods in special ovens followed by soaking in sugar syrup. This is much less useful. After this treatment, the dates become smooth and shiny. Sometimes they can even be treated with edible wax or other preservatives so that the fruits look better and have a longer shelf life.

Regardless of the processing method, during packaging and transportation, dates are not cleaned in any way. Therefore, they can not only be washed, but are also very necessary. Especially after processing, because all these preservatives need to be washed off from the fruit before use, so the benefits will be much greater

Now it is important to learn how to properly wash dates so that they do not lose their taste and usefulness.

How to properly wash dates

The main difficulty is that sweet fruits absorb water and there is a high risk that they will lose their taste and appearance. The most important rule is that you should not wash dates in hot water. From boiling water, the dense shell of the fruit cracks, and the pulp becomes boiled. Such fruits are no longer suitable for consumption.
To keep dates safe and sound, you need to wash them correctly. First, carefully sort through the purchased dates, because even in industrial packaging there may be spoiled fruits. Below is a video in which you can learn how to choose good dates.
Then take a container of cool water and a colander. I wash dried fruit in small batches as quickly as possible. Wash shiny berries especially thoroughly to remove all food-grade wax.
After washing, place the dates in a colander and rinse with running ice water.
Now pour the fruits onto a regular paper towel and cover with another on top. So they should dry for at least a day. Once dry, remove the pits from the dates and place them in an airtight container for storage.

Here's a video that will make you a real pro in choosing dates. No more spoiled dried fruits, only the best!

Here is a simple instruction that will help you preserve all the benefits of dried dates without losing their taste. Dates are a delicious exotic product and a storehouse of useful elements. Follow all the rules for processing and storing these miracle fruits, and then you will have a truly healthy treat on your table!

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Ekaterina Khodyuk Ekaterina Khodyuk’s main hobby is literature. She also likes to watch a good movie, enjoy autumn, pet cats and listen to the band “Spleen”. He is interested in Japanese culture, the thinking and way of life of the Japanese, and dreams of visiting this country. Katya strives to live a rich life, full of impressions and travel. The girl’s favorite book is “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera.

How to properly and for how long to store rice at home

After opening the original packaging, the cereal for further storage must be poured into a dry, sealed container made of glass, plastic or ceramic with a tight-fitting lid.

Moisture should not be allowed to penetrate inside, since high humidity shortens the shelf life of rice and creates favorable conditions for the growth and reproduction of pests and the formation of mold.

The optimal storage temperature for rice is 5-15°C, humidity level is no more than 65-70%

It is important to avoid direct exposure to sunlight

Where and how to store dry rice

It is not recommended to store rice in original packaging, especially after opening. For long-term storage of cereals, use glass, ceramic or plastic containers with an airtight lid. Alternatively, grains are stored in textile bags, but they are significantly inferior to airtight containers.

The jar of cereal should be in a dark, dry and cool place. A pantry or kitchen cabinet is ideal. Sudden changes in storage conditions adversely affect the taste and beneficial qualities of the product. It is advisable to place rice cereals next to other cereals and avoid proximity to spices and products with a pronounced odor.

Experienced housewives say that it is ideal to use a refrigerator to store dry rice cereal at home:

at low temperatures the likelihood of insect pests is reduced;
shelf life increases by several months;
If there are insects in the cereal, they will simply freeze and will not be able to reproduce further.

Dried rice can be stored in the freezer for 6 to 8 months. The cereal is pre-packaged in plastic bags or plastic containers with a lid or stored in the original packaging.

Dates: benefits and harms

Perhaps the most valuable and useful quality of dates is the presence of a large amount of dietary fiber, which is so necessary for the normal functioning of the digestive tract. One glass of chopped fruits provides half of the body's daily requirement for fiber. To regulate the functioning of the digestive system and get rid of constipation, it is recommended to soak 4-5 fruits in cold water in the evening, and eat them in the morning on an empty stomach. Fiber also lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

In 2005, the American College of Nutrition published in its journal the results of a study of certain fruits, including dates. It turns out that dates surpassed all dried fruits studied in terms of the content of phenolic antioxidants and polyphenols. This means that they provide powerful antioxidant protection, preventing heart disease and cancer - this is a clear benefit of dates.

A glass of crushed dates contains about 10% of the daily requirement of iron in an easily digestible form, so they are recommended for anemia. The presence in this product, in addition to iron, also contains potassium, sodium, magnesium - alkaline minerals, which ensures a normal acid-base balance, and, therefore, an optimal supply of oxygen to cells.

This means that dates are shown when:

hypertension,
for the prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system,
diseases of the hematopoietic organs,
kidney

The sulfur contained in dates is an essential mineral for us. Sulfur is involved in the metabolic process and is a constituent element of amino acids, enzymes, and hormones, such as insulin. It is part of the cells of nervous, bone, and cartilage tissue, improves the condition of the skin, hair, nails, and influences a number of other processes.

Tryptophan is involved in the synthesis of melanin (called the sleep hormone) and serotonin (the joy hormone). Therefore, by constantly consuming dates, you can establish a restful, full-fledged sleep and stabilize your mental state.

Selenium strengthens the immune system, including antitumor immunity.

Vitamin A and its precursor beta carotene improve vision, particularly night vision. So, by eating even 1 fruit a day, you can gradually achieve a noticeable positive effect and benefit the body.

Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and therefore prevents tooth decay.

Not long ago, oxytocin was discovered in dates, a hormone secreted by the hypothalamus and which has a stimulating effect on the reproductive system of both men and women, on their behavioral reactions, and increases libido.

The benefits of dates for pregnant women should be mentioned separately.

After all, it is very important for pregnant women to receive sufficient amounts of vitamins and all nutrients for the normal development of the fetus. Proper, nutritious and varied nutrition for the expectant mother is the key to the health of her baby.

Dates are a storehouse of nutrients! Regular (but not excessive!) consumption of them

will help regulate the functioning of the digestive system, thanks to fiber;
protects against anemia due to its iron content;
will improve the production and quality of mother's milk, thanks to the rich content of microelements;

In addition, if the expectant mother replaces sweets, cakes and baked goods with dates, she will not only protect herself from excess weight, but will also benefit for herself and her child.

Oxytocin causes contraction of the uterine muscles and improves labor. Therefore, to make the birth process less protracted and painful, women are advised to eat 3-5 dates a day during the prenatal period. They are also recommended during lactation.

And finally, dates will help a young mother quickly regain strength and get in good shape during the postpartum period.

Yes, dates are an extremely healthy product! However, we cannot fail to mention the restrictions for some categories of consumers.

People suffering from diabetes should avoid dates, as they quickly increase blood sugar levels and can thereby harm the body.

It is not recommended for overweight or obese people to abuse dates, since dates are a high-calorie product with a high glycemic index.

Those whose teeth are damaged by caries and who suffer from increased caries should also limit themselves in consuming all kinds of sweets, including dates, as well as any other dried fruits.

Despite the usefulness and popularity of date fruits, their consumption can bring not only benefits to the body, but also harm.

Particular attention should be paid to the choice of exotic dried fruits. In order to preserve their presentation, manufacturers often treat dates with sulfur dioxide.

When this substance enters the body, it negatively affects the digestive system and can cause peptic ulcers.

If dates have a glossy shine, they have been treated with chemicals

To avoid harm to dates, pay attention to the contraindications of the product before consumption.

It is not recommended to introduce dates into your diet if you are diagnosed with:

Diabetes
Liver diseases
Stomach ulcer, colitis, gastritis
Pancreatic dysfunction
Obesity
Fructose intolerance

Dentists warn about the negative impact of these fruits on tooth enamel. Since they contain a lot of natural acids, their effect on the membrane of the teeth leads to its destruction and the occurrence of caries. To reduce the harm of dates, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with water after eating.

For those who want to lose weight, you shouldn’t go heavy on dates. Remember: just 100 g of fruits (which is 3-5 pieces) contain almost 300 kcal. By overusing dates, you can significantly increase excess weight.

Benefit

No matter how useful a product is, there are always cases when its use may not provide the promised benefits. Or even cause harm. In the case of dates, consumption should be limited when:

obesity. The high calorie content of the product is mentioned above. It is best for overweight people to eat dates only as part of a special diet.
serious tooth damage. If dates strengthen and heal healthy teeth, then they destroy sick teeth, aggravating caries and leading to pulpitis.
peptic ulcer disease. Dates are a protein food. Therefore, they should not be consumed by those who have problems with the stomach and liver. And if there are technological violations when drying dates, exacerbations of peptic ulcer disease cannot be avoided.
increased sensitivity of the gastrointestinal tract. A high fructose content can cause abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and gas formation.

You can find many opinions on the Internet. Some argue that dates are a forbidden fruit for diabetics. The reason is the high glucose content. It is no coincidence that date palm fruits top the glycemic index table. Few products can increase blood sugar levels so dramatically. For diabetics, the date is a forbidden fruit.

Other sources say that natural fructose and glucose make dates an analogue of honey, which does not pose a very big threat.

From a scientific point of view, here you need to rely on the glycemic index. But here, too, not everything is clear. Research conducted at the University of Sydney in Australia recorded this indicator for dates at a level of 103 on the glycemic scale (glucose has 100). It is still indicated this way in many tables. But subsequent GI measurements showed about 40-50, depending on the variety, which is much safer for diabetes.

Read more: How to drink limoncello correctly, what to drink with it and what to eat with it

A more modern indicator is the glycemic load. It is considered more useful than an index because it takes into account more factors. According to him, dates have an indicator of 14-22, depending on the variety. Bananas, for example, are assigned a 16. Both of these products are average. Therefore, we can equate the harm of eating dates to eating the same amount of bananas.

In any case, you should be careful and it is better not to overuse these fruits. As an exception, use them as natural sweeteners instead of fructose.

Scientists have proven that dates are beneficial for women during pregnancy. Date fruits contain potassium, folic acid, iron and help the expectant mother cope with anemia and strengthen the heart. Due to the oxytocin present in the fruits, eating dates promotes the normal course of the birth process and minimizes blood loss.

Dates contain oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates labor.

The beneficial properties of dates are manifested in their beneficial effect on the developing fetus during pregnancy. Eating a sweet treat helps the expectant mother not only strengthen the strength of her body, but also contribute to the formation of the skeletal system in the child.

During lactation, it is also useful for a woman to eat dates - introducing them into the diet contributes to the high-quality production of breast milk. However, before using for the first time, you should weigh the likely benefits and harms of dates.

If there are no contraindications, a woman can treat herself to this delicacy by eating several pieces a day. The beneficial effect on the nervous system of the fetus will help a woman cope with postpartum depression, overcome stress and enrich the body with energy.

Recommendations

Of the pests for dried fruit supplies, the food moth is the most dangerous. If you find a butterfly or larvae, take immediate action. This insect eats not only dried fruits, but also nuts, cereals, flour and sugar.

Pest control begins with folk remedies that not only destroy moths, but prevent their reappearance.

To begin with, infected dried fruits are carefully inspected. If the damage is severe, the supplies will have to be thrown away. If not, then the fruits are sorted, removing damaged specimens, and the remaining dates are heated in the oven at a temperature of 60-70°C for two hours.

Then the fruits are removed from the oven, cooled and transferred to clean glass containers with a hermetically sealed lid or ironed canvas bags. The cabinet where the contaminated food was kept is washed with a weak solution of vinegar.

Prevention

Once you get rid of moths, make sure that they no longer appear in your kitchen. For this:

constantly maintain cleanliness - this will prevent the appearance of not only moths, but also other insects;
store food in containers with tight-fitting lids;
cover hoods and vents with mosquito nets, then insects will not be able to penetrate into yours from neighboring apartments;
Having purchased a new batch of dried fruits, inspect and sort it out before storing it.