How do you pit dates?
Do you love dried fruit and wonder how to pit dates?
Our online shop specializes in selling dates, Ajwa in particular, and has a few tips to share!
Our delicious dates
First, here is a quick overview of the dates available on our website. Choose from:
- These Ajwa dates
- Algerian dates
- Medjool
- The famous Sukari dates
- And finally, Tamrah, those wonderfully indulgent chocolate-covered dates! Milk chocolate and almonds, dark chocolate, caramel or coconut: there is something for every taste.
How do you pit dates, and why?
At first, the question may seem strange. Why pit dates? Simply because the pit is not edible, you might say. Yes, but that is not the only reason.
Removing the pit also lets you check inside the fruit. After all, it is not unusual to find some rather unpleasant surprises inside dates!
Insects are particularly fond of this sweet, rich food, so you may well find them inside, along with worms, other larvae or unappetizing eggs. They may be a source of protein, but we doubt you would want to try them!
Sometimes insects in the warehouse manage to reach the goods, despite all the precautions taken during storage. Fortunately, however, they are never alive, because of the treatments applied to the fruit.
These little stowaways sometimes travel with the dates. That is why you should open and inspect them before eagerly tucking in!
How do you pit dates easily?
It is not particularly complicated. Still, here is a little tip that should make things easier and save you time.
Dates are usually covered with a thin sugary film. This film is sticky and clings to your fingers.
We recommend setting out a small bowl of lukewarm water when pitting dates. Dip your fingers and your knife into it as often as needed. This keeps the dates from sticking to your fingers as you handle them and makes less of a mess.
It is also easier to make a lengthwise cut in the date to remove the pit. Use your fingers to open the cut date, loosen the pit from the flesh and take it out.
Many dried dates are already pitted, but not all of them. Check the packaging carefully to see whether your dates still contain pits. You may occasionally find pits even in packaged pitted dates, so be careful to protect your teeth!
If they are not packaged, cut one open to check.
Take particular care when young children eat dates. A remaining pit could damage their baby teeth or, worse, cause choking. Do not let them eat dates unsupervised.