Dates

Cultivated in the Middle East and North Africa for thousands of years, dates sustained caravans traveling across Arabian deserts in ancient times.

The date you'll find most often is a semi-soft variety with firm flesh called Deglet Noor. It accounts for 95% of U.S. production. You can find Zahidi, Medjool and Barhi at health food stores.

While dates do have some nutritional attributes (they provide a small amount of fiber, potassium and iron) their sugar content (16 grams in just one!) outweights their known benefits.  

Glycemic Index=103
Glycemic Load=42
Antioxidant Score* (ORAC)=3,895 and 2,387

*Deglet noor (3,895) and medjool (2,387)

The Benefits

  • Special diets: Autoimmune Paleo Diet, Elimination Diet, Gluten-Free Diet, Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free Diet, Grain-Free Diet, Low Acid Diet, Low FODMAP Diet, Low Histamine Diet, Low Starch Diet, Paleo Diet (Light), Paleo Diet (Strict), Pescetarian Diet, Primal Diet, Vegetarian Diet, Whole Food
  • Excellent Source of:
  • Good Source of:
  • Preferences: No Fish, No Red Meat, No Pork, No Eggs, No Shellfish, No Gluten, No Nuts, No Seeds, No Soy, No Dairy, No Poultry, No Corn, No Yeast, No Peanuts, No Citrus, No Pseudograins, No Coconut, No Nightshade, No Legumes, No Grains, Low Carbohydrate, Low Cholesterol, Low Fat, Low Sodium, Low Saturated Fat

Related Foods

Selecting and Storing

Choose soft, plump dates with a smooth, shiny skin. Store fresh dates, wrapped in a plastic bag, in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Information