The exotic flavours of the dates fruit is something that has been a favourite with Asian and European people for centuries. It is not surprising then that it is such a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes today. Its exotic nature makes it very hard to replicate with a modern kitchen. This article will give you an overview of dates fruit.
What are dates? They are small round brown fruits that have a very sweet flavour. Their unique flavour makes them one of the most popular fruits in Malaysia, but they can also be found in different countries in Asia including India, Egypt and China.
How do you make dates in Malaysia? First off, all dates must be ripe so that they have a sweet taste. The best time for them to be ripe is just after the middle of December, which is when they are at their peak quality.
How can you get dates in Malaysia? Well, you will be surprised to learn that you can actually buy them in the supermarket. Fresh ones are quite expensive however, so you will need to visit some markets and check out what is on sale.
The next step is to decide which type of date you want to use. There are actually three main categories: black, green and red. Each one has its own characteristics and their uses vary. You should try to find fresh ones because they are the tastiest, but they will be hard to come by in your supermarket.
The black date is probably the most popular. It has a strong flavour but does not have too much pungent smell. The green date has a more subtle taste, which can actually mask the pungency and give the black date a more subtle and natural flavour. Red dates are the most expensive but are packed full of nutrients and antioxidants that can help to ward off cancer.
So how can you eat dates? There are various recipes that use them, such as salads, desserts, meat and fish and even mixed in with sauces. You can also eat them raw, but the skin is best when eaten raw so you can enjoy the tart flavour and texture.
Now that you know more about the dates fruit, go out and buy some! or visit your local market and pick your own local produce to get your hands on some great dates!
Freshly picked, these are great to eat for breakfast. They can also be enjoyed later on in the day as snacks, especially if served in a smoothie. Another great way to enjoy fresh dates is to freeze some and store in air-tight containers so that you can have dates whenever you want.
To make these dates more interesting you can add fruits and vegetables to them, such as figs and raisins. If you like something a little more exotic, you could even add some fresh mangoes, pineapples and apricots.
The best way to enjoy fresh dates is to make a drink from the pulp or seeds. These can be blended with water or juice and used for instant energy. and a cool shake is good for your body as well. Or you could even eat them pureed with honey.
Other than being delicious, dates are also an excellent source of fiber, protein, vitamin B6, iron, calcium and phosphorus. They are also very good sources of vitamins A and C. So drink up and enjoy the health benefits.
In Malaysia, dates are usually eaten in many of the popular dishes. One of the main ones is karma or kebab, which is a traditional dish made using dates mixed with spices and other ingredients. Another one is badass, which is made using fresh dates cooked with herbs and spices.