What is the average shelf life of a date? How long do dates last in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer? What is the best way to store dates to increase their shelf life? Find out the answers to these questions and more below:
Shelf Life of Dates
| Pantry | Refrigerator | Freezer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw | 1-3 Months | 12 Months | 12-24 Months |
The Shelf Life of Dates?
The dried fruits last for one or more year or so beyond the mentioned best before the date, and you can freeze them accordingly. The shelf life of dry fruits depends on multiple factors which include the drying method, best before the time and how the dried fruit is stored.
As the water is removed from the dried fruits such as dates, the flavor of dates intensifies. It is because of this reason that you can easily store the dates and lengthen the shelf life. If the dates are left unopened in the pantry, they last for 3-12 months. When you store dates in the refrigerator, they last for 1-2 years, and if you store it in the freezer, the Dates continue for an indefinite period.
If the dates are opened, they last for around 3-6 months in pantry, 6-12 months in the refrigerator and for 1-2 years in the freezer. When you completely seal the dates and store it in a freezer, they last for an indefinite period. The dried fruits such as dates have a best by the time mentioned on them rather than the expiry dates so safely consume them before the indicated date.
How to Store Dates?
You can store the dates in a refrigerator or save it in the pantry by placing them in an airtight container to avoid the contamination from moisture or other germs. For long-term, you can store dates in a freezer and lengthen the shelf life for an indefinite period.
What Should You Check For While Buying The Dates?
Check for the shiny surface of dates. Buy the ones which are uniformly colored and are not broken. Buy the Dates which are not discolored, hard or have lost their flavor. You can smell the dates; it indicates that they are rotten or spoiled. However, Dates have less chance for the formation of molds. Choose the dates which are not wrinkled and have a plump look with glossy skin. Avoid using Dates which have crystallized sugars on them.
How to Handle Dates?
The dates are not washed before eating if you have consumed them from the market as they are already removed. The similar handling methods are used for all the dried fruits. However, if you have picked the dates directly from the tree, then you need to wash them before eating.
How to Cook With Dates?
You can wash them and use them for baking, preparing shakes, use them for salads, stuff them with items like cream or ginger and serve them as desserts. You can use dates in cooking such as in cookies, bread, cakes, cupcakes or pies. You can also chop the Dates and incorporate in your diet.