Getting acquainted with dates

The word “date” comes from the Greek word “daktylos,” meaning finger. Everyone knows and loves dates – from the primeval times dates have been a popular food source for mankind. This naturally dried food is a powerhouse of vital nutrients and minerals. Dates provide iron for blood, fibre for roughage, vitamin A for your eyes, potassium for you heart, B-vitamins and tannins, which makes them one of the healthiest foods in the world. Dates are a wonderful snack by themselves. But makes sure you eat them in moderation, as fruits can contain high level of fructose that can harm your health. For a twist, try stuffing them with a mixture of chopped raw almonds and walnuts and raw cashews, for a delicious, nutritious and completely unique hors oeuvre. You can also dip them in your choice of chocolate and set them in refrigerator. This way your kids also develop taste for this wonder fruit. It won’t be wrong to state that dates made life possible in the nomadic areas of Middle East and North Africa. Dates are one of the most versatile and sweet foods that can regulate the digestive process. It can significantly boost energy levels within half an hour of consuming it. Muslims break their Ramadan fast with dates, as it provides instant energy and its fibre content helps avoid overeating. Dates have become the superfood of the moment: the breakfast, lunch, dinner and coffee sweetener of champions. It is available in supermarkets and grocery stores and there are a few hundred varieties. It is available in various forms like whole, pitted, stuffed, chocolate coated, fresh plucked, extra ripe or paste to name a few. Its paste makes a natural binder in baked treats, while its syrup adds sweetness to beverages. Eaten plain or stuffed, it makes for a nutritious snack. Dates are rich in antioxidants known as polyphenols, which fight disease-causing free radical. The low water and high sugar content gives it a long shelf life. One cup of date has about 400 calories, which gives about 27 percent of the recommended daily requirement of potassium and 48 percent of a person’s daily fibre needs.In Qatar, you’ll find date trees even on the roadside and when they are in season the dates can be plucked and enjoyed fresh. There are numerous date farms outside Doha, which also serve as getaway destinations and picnic spots for families as they enjoy freshly plucked dates from the trees. My son loved going to these date farms. People consume dates in several ways, such as mixing the paste of the dates with milk, yoghurt and adding bread or butter to make them even more delicious. The paste is beneficial for both adults and children, especially during a time of recovery from illness or injury.Dates are considered a natural laxative and they are frequently eaten by people suffering from constipation. In order to achieve the desired laxative affect the dates are soaked in warm water overnight and then consumed in the morning when it becomes like a syrup to get the most optimal result.Today I will share a brownie recipe that may not contain butter, sugar or flour but these are some of the best brownies I’ve had. They are moist, dense, full of intense chocolate flavour and a bit of espresso. The walnut chunks make it fuller and even more nutritious. No Bake BrownieIngredients Walnuts 1 1/2 cupAlmonds 1 cupDates, medjool 2 1/2 cupCocoa powder 3/4 cupEspresso powder 2 tspSea salt 1/3 tspMethodPlace 1 cup of walnuts and 1 cup of almonds in a food processor and process until finely ground.Add the cocoa powder, espresso and sea salt and pulse to combine and then transfer to a bowl and keep aside.Add the dates to the food processor and process until small bits remain; remove from bowl and keep aside.Add the nut and cocoa mixture back into the food processor and while processing drop small handfuls of the date pieces down the food processor’s spout.Process until dough consistency is achieved, adding more dates if the mixture does not hold together when squeezed in hand.Add the brownie mixture to a small parchment lined cake pan or loaf pan; add the remaining 1/2 cup roughly chopped walnuts. Toss to combine and evenly distribute and then press down with your hands until it is flat and takes form.Place in freezer or fridge to chill before cutting.Store in an airtight container to keep fresh. The brownies will keep in fridge for at least 2 weeks and in the freezer for at least 2 months.Note: If you want to include dates in your favourite baked brownie recipe, just add chopped dates on top of the brownie mixture prior to baking.