Dates are an incredibly nutritious fruit that have been cultivated for thousands of years. They make a delicious snack on their own, but they can also be processed into a sweet powder that has many uses.
Making your own dates powder at home is easy, and gives you control over the ingredients.
Turning dates into powder form has several advantages:
- Longer Shelf Life - Powdered dates keep for months stored in an airtight container, allowing you to preserve the harvest.
- Easy to Add to Foods - Stir date powder into smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, coffee, tea, protein balls...the possibilities are endless!
- Natural Sweetener - Date powder can replace sugar in baked goods, desserts, and other recipes needing sweetness.
- Nutrient Retention - If stored properly, the nutritional integrity of the dates remains intact in powder form.
- Gluten-Free & Vegan - Suitable for many diets and allergies.
Equipment Needed
Dehydrating and powdering dates doesn't require any fancy kitchen tools. Here's what you'll need:
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet
- Oven or dehydrator (optional)
- Food processor or blender
- Fine mesh sieve
- Glass storage container
And the all-important ingredient...dates! For best results, select fresh, moist Medjool dates. Drier date varieties may require extra time to powder properly.
Step-by-Step Guide for Making Dates Powder
Dates Powder Recipe
Ingredients
- Dates
Instructions
Prep the Dates
- Rinse dates under cool water and pat dry. Slice dates lengthwise to expose the pit. Pull out pits and discard. Chop dates into smaller pieces for quicker drying.
- Pro Tip: Save pits to roast as natural coffee substitute! Rinse, dry, roast at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until fragrant.
Dehydrate the Dates
- Oven Method: Spread chopped dates evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 170°F, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 hours until hard and dried.
- Dehydrator Method: Arrange dates on dehydrator trays in a single layer. Dehydrate at 135°F for 6-10 hours until hard and dried.
Process Into Powder
- Working in batches, add dates to a dry food processor or blender. Pulse into a fine powder, taking care not to overprocess. Avoid large lumps.
Sift the Powder
- Place date powder in a fine mesh sieve and sift over a large bowl. This ensures a super fine, lump-free powder. Return any chunks that remain in the sieve to the food processor to grind further.
Store in Airtight Container
- Transfer sifted date powder to a clean, dry glass jar or container with an airtight lid. Stored this way, the powder keeps for 2-3 months at room temperature.
Tips for Using Your Date Powder
Here are some of the tastiest ways to eat dates powder:
- Sweeten yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies
- Fold into cookie or cake batter
- Mix into homemade granola bars
- Make dairy and nut-free “date balls”
- Blend with nut butter and cocoa for sweet spread
- Substitute 1:1 for sugar in most recipes
- Stir into coffee drinks
Date powder works perfectly in desserts, drinks, breakfast foods, energy bites, and more. Use it just like you would sugar or other sweetener. Keep in mind that date powder has milder sweetness than white sugar. When swapping it into recipes, you may wish to reduce other liquids slightly.
Extra Recipes Using Date Powder
Once you've crafted your very own date powder, try it in these yummy recipes:
Easy Date Syrup
In a small pot, combine equal parts date powder and hot filtered water. Stir continuously until dissolved into thick syrup. Cool completely then serve over ice cream, pancakes, or porridge.
Date Paste
Process equal amounts date powder and boiling water in a food processor until smooth. Chill paste in the fridge to firm up before using on toast or in cookie dough.
Iced Date Latte
Brew espresso and combine with frothed almond milk and 1-2 teaspoons date powder. Sweeten to taste. Pour over ice for cool, nutty-caramel flavor.
FAQs
What's the best storage container for date powder?
Use either glass jars or stainless steel containers with tight-fitting lids. Make sure the container is very clean and dry before filling.
How long does homemade date powder last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, date powder keeps for 2-3 months. It lasts even longer in the fridge or freezer.
Can I use a different date variety besides Medjool?
Yes, any dried pitted date can be turned into powder. Medjool dates yield the best flavor/sweetness, but deglet noor will also work. Softer dates make finer powder.
Is date powder suitable for restrictive diets?
Absolutely! This sugar substitute is vegan, paleo, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. It’s far healthier than processed sugars or artificial sweeteners. Check labels if using store-bought dates.
Conclusion
Creating your own dates powder opens up new possibilities for adding nutrition and subtle sweetness to your favorite foods and beverages. Follow the simple oven or dehydrator preparation method outlined here for perfect powder every time.
Plus learn creative ways to enjoy your homemade date powder. Ditch refined sugar and embrace this wholesome flavor enhancer!
Resources:
- Foodlinksusa: This website provides information about date powder and its products, including sweeteners and emulsifiers.
- Woodspur Farms: Woodspur Farms offers organic and certified date powder made from 100% organic dates. The site highlights the benefits of date powder and its various certifications, such as non-GMO, organic, gluten-free, and kosher.
- Mevive International: This website discusses the uses and applications of date powder, emphasizing its sweetness and nutrients. It is a good resource for learning about the various uses of date powder in different industries.
- Nature's Path: Nature's Path explains why date powder is a favorite sweetener, highlighting its nutrient-rich properties, high fiber content, and versatility. The site also discusses the benefits of date powder as a sugar substitute.
- IFSQN: This forum thread discusses guidance regarding the declarations of added sugars on nutritional labeling, providing useful information about the nutritional aspects of date powder.