know About Dates...

• One pound of dates = about 3 cups
• Store dates at 65 degrees F, in a dry place.
• Dates contain up to 70% sugar by weight.
• When buying dates, avoid ones that are sticky or ones that have crystallized sugar on the surface.
• Fresh dates should be firm and springy, and should have a fresh smell, not sour.
• Fresh, soft dates should be kept in plastic bags in the refrigerator, and will keep for several weeks.
• Dried dates should be firm, but not hard. Dried dates will keep for up to a year, refrigerated.