The date is a fruit obtained from the date palm, which can be purchased in the supermarket in its dehydrated form and can be used to replace sugar in recipes, for the preparation of cakes and biscuits for example. In addition, this fruit is an excellent source of antioxidants, B vitamins and minerals such as potassium, copper, iron, magnesium and calcium.
Dry dates contain more calories than fresh dates, because removing water from the fruit makes nutrients more concentrated. Therefore, it is important to moderate your consumption and not exceed 3 dates a day, especially in people with diabetes who wish to lose weight.
The date has the following advantages
In addition, carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic acid help promote heart health and reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer by helping to reduce inflammation in the body.
Some scientific studies also indicate that consuming dates during the last few weeks of pregnancy can help shorten working time and reduce the need to use oxytocin to speed up the process. It is not yet known exactly why this mechanism occurs, however, it is recommended to consume 4 dates per day, starting at week 37 of gestation.
The following table provides nutritional information for 100 g of dry dates:
Dates are usually sold dry and boned, as this facilitates their preservation. Each dried, boneless fruit weighs about 24 g.
Because of its carbohydrate content, people with diabetes should use it with caution and in accordance with medical or nutritionist advice.
Date jelly can be used to sweeten recipes or as a cake dish and sweet stuffing, as well as being used for dessert or wholemeal toast.
Ingredients
Preparation mode
Add enough mineral water to cover the dates in a small container. Let stand for about 1 hour, drain the water, store and beat the dates in the blender. Gradually add the water to the sauce until the gelatine is creamy and has the desired consistency. Store in a clean container in the refrigerator.
This brigadeiro is an excellent option to serve at parties or dessert, being rich in fats good for health, from chestnuts and coconuts.
Ingredients
How it’s prepared
Add filtered water to the dates until they are covered and let stand for 1 hour. Whisk all ingredients in a blender to form a homogeneous dough (if necessary, use a little water from the date sauce to beat). Remove and shape the balls to form the sweets of the desired size, and you can wrap them in toppings such as sesame, cocoa, cinnamon, coconut or crushed chestnut, for example.
Ingredients
Preparation mode
Bring 1 glass of water to a boil and as soon as it boils, add the dates, baking soda and butter. Simmer for about 20 minutes, until the dates are tender. Using a fork, knead the dates until they form a kind of puree, then let them cool. In another bowl, combine the flour, yeast and raisins. Once the dates have cooled, add the beaten egg and half a glass of hot water. Then mix the two pastas and pour into a greased saucepan. Place in a preheated oven at 200oC for about 45 to 60 minutes.