Dates that smell of alcohol

Round, fleshy, amber-colored or darker: there are many varieties of dates. Mainly harvested in Egypt, Iran and Algeria, this fruit has a delicious sweet taste. Whether fresh or dry, this fruit is also highly valued for its nutritional qualities. Sometimes, however, we are unsettled when we find dates that smell of alcohol. So, why do they develop this smell? Are they still safe to eat ? How can you avoid this problem? Dattes Ajwa explains. 

Why do your dates smell of alcohol? 

Because of yeasts and sugar

We have all noticed it: sometimes fruit goes bad without an obvious explanation. In dates, this is often associated with the growth of bacteria, molds and yeasts. Some yeasts can tolerate the high sugar content of dates. Contaminated fruit then develops an alcoholic smell. 

The fruit of the date palm is high in sugar. That is good news for anyone with a sweet tooth, but it can also be a disadvantage. A certain sourness may develop. A level of just 25% moisture in the fruit is enough for fermentation to make it go bad. This process leaves you with dates that smell of alcohol. 

The dates therefore undergo alcoholic fermentation, which explains why they can smell of alcohol. The carbohydrates in the fruit are converted into alcohol. Yeasts produce and release energy when they are in a liquid environment without air. 

In short, the environment is anaerobic, meaning without oxygen, which allows fermentation to occur. 

If you notice this smell coming from your dates, we therefore advise you not to eat them. 

How can you prevent dates from smelling of alcohol? 

Through proper storage ! 

After harvest, these fruits are ideally kept for 6 to 12 months. The exact time depends on the variety. Also, the temperature plays an important role in the shelf life of your dates, which is extended by freezing. 

You can also enjoy your dried dates for up to a year under suitable storage conditions. To prevent them from drying out, keep them in a cool place, where the fruit stays dry and fresh. Keep them away from sunlight and air. The best option is an airtight container.

Your fresh dates should be kept in the refrigerator. They can be stored this way for a few weeks at most. You can also freeze them to enjoy later.

By protecting them from odors 

Also, to preserve their flavor, we recommend keeping dates away from garlic, onions and potatoes, as they absorb certain aromas. 

There can also be crystallization of sugar. That is why it is best to keep them at a low temperature. Otherwise, their texture and appearance could change.

At Dattes Ajwa, we invite you to try our delicious Ajwa, Sukkari or Medjool dates. Find them in our online shop and treat your taste buds!