Dates are Trending!
Delish named dates as one of the top food trends for 2023! In an article on the Delish website, author Kayla Stewart writes: “Spoiler alert: Dates are back.” But were they ever “gone?” Not as far as Sphinx Date Co. is concerned! Either way, the article touts some of the benefits and uses of dates. Hopping on the date trend train in 2023? Check out all the reasons why Sphinx Date Co. loves them (trending or not!) — and some great ways to use them!
In the article Stewart notes that dates have been cherished “by humans since the days of ancient Mesopotamia.” Considered “nature’s candy,” the author also writes that dates are rich in antioxidants and support gut and bone health.
Dates are loaded with vitamins and minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B and fiber. In an article on Shape’s website, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Keri Gans, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N. says dates can help promote health digestion and can even reduce inflammation. The article also reports in the article that the fiber in the dates can also help lower cholesterol levels and stabilize blood glucose levels (by slowing the absorptions of sugar), promote heart health and kidney function and improve bone mineral density (which results in stronger bones).
With all these incredible benefits, incorporating dates into a daily diet should be a no brainer! Due to its naturally sweet properties, dates can be used in many ways to create healthy whole food treats. It is also versatile enough to be used in a variety of savory dishes from mains to sides.
For quick and convenient whole food sustenance, dates can be paired with nuts and nuts or fresh fruit like an apple or banana. Stuffed with peanut or other nut butter (try cashew or almond) and drizzled with a bit of melted dark chocolate, dates make an excellent (and super easy) dessert. They can even be soaked to soften and then blended to become a “butter” of their own or a scrumptious spread for toast or biscuits. (Try adding almond extract or cinnamon to level up this simple date spread).
Whether trending or not, nutrient-dense dates are a fantastic addition to any meal. With a long shelf life, they are great to have on hand for any occasion, whether enjoying right out of the bag or adding them to a smoothie, charcuterie plate, stew or casserole. So this year, make a “date” to discover the many ways in which dates can liven up any diet.