The Fresh Food Club
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Dates

In season all year

Food Description:

Considered to be one of the earliest cultivated foods, referred to in the Old Testament. Dates are the fruit of the date palm. The fruit is extremely sweet, containing as much as 70% sugar. Most dates are imported frozen from Israel or California.
Fresh dates should be firm and springy and smell fresh. Available in greengrocers.
Dried dates should be firm with no traces of crystallised sugar on the outside.

General Information:

Category: Fruit
To Buy: Fresh dates should be firm and springy and smell fresh. Available in greengrocers. Dried dates should be firm with no traces of crystallised sugar on the outside.
To Store: Fresh, soft dates will keep for several weeks at room temperature. Dried dates will keep for up to a year in an airtight container in the pantry.
Tips and Tricks: Cut dates with scissors dipped in hot water.

Nutrition (1 Unit):

Energy (kJ): 105
High GI > 70 : Glycaemic Index refers to the rate at which carbohydrate rich foods are converted to glucose for energy by the body; High GI foods raise blood sugar levels quickly and creating energy spikes followed quickly by energy slumps.
Fat (g): 0.0
Monosaturated Fat , g: 0.0
Salicylates: Naturally occurring plant chemicals found in several fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices, jams, honey, yeast extracts, tea and coffee, juices, beer and wines. Also present in flavourings, perfumes, scented toiletries and some medications.

For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. Very high
Carbohydrates, g: 5.9
Protein (g): 0.2
Saturated Fat, g : 0.0
Amines: Amines come the breakdown or fermentation of proteins. High amounts are found in cheese, chocolate, wine, beer and yeast extracts. Smaller amounts are present in some fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, avocados, bananas.

For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. Very High
Glutamates: Glutamate is found naturally in many foods, as part of protein. It enhances the flavour of food, which is why foods rich in natural glutamates such as tomatoes, mushrooms and cheeses are commonly used in meals. Pure monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used as an additive to artificially flavour many processed foods, and should be avoided, especially in sensitive individuals as it can cause serious adverse reactions. n/a

Cooking:

Cooking Tips: When adding dates to cakes or fruit loafs, coat them lightly in flour to avoid them falling to the bottom of the tin.

Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*

* This information is sourced by a qualified naturopath. It is non prescriptive and not intended as a cure for the condition. Recommended intake is not provided. It is no substitute for the advice and treatment of a professional practitioner.