Medjools are often informally known as the “king of dates,” the “diamond of dates,” or the “crown jewel of dates” in reference to their elevated position. They are what is known as a “soft” date.
Medjool dates are a variety of dates enjoyed for their natural sweetness. They’re larger, darker, and more caramel-like in taste than other common types like Deglet Noor. As tropical stone fruits, they have a single pit surrounded by edible flesh.
Native to Morocco, Medjool dates come from the date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera) and are now grown in warm regions of the United States, the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.
They’re often sold dried but not dehydrated, making them soft and sticky. Their sugars become more concentrated as they dry, which further increases their sweetness.
Health benefits of Medjool Dates:
1.Fat Free/ Trans Fat Free
Medjool Dates are completely fat free – that’s no saturated fat and no trans fat. So enjoy Medjool Dates the healthy snacking date.
2.Cholesterol Free
Being cholesterol free means that you can enjoy Medjool Dates knowing that they are helping you achieve a heart healthy diet.
3. Low/Medium Glycemic Index
The Glycemic Index is a measure of how quickly blood sugars rise after eating. Foods with a low or medium GI give you sustained energy and avoid the “sugar high” associated with high GI foods.
Medjool Dates with a GI of 53-57 are low / medium glycemic. This is because, as a good source of fiber, they release their carbohydrates slowly giving you sustained energy without the sugar rush.
4. Rich Source Of Potassium
Potassium is essential to the body’s well being. It helps build proteins, develop and sooth muscles. It helps the body burn carbohydrates and controls electrical activity in the heart.
The body requires about 4700 mg of potassium every day to stay healthy.
A serving of Medjool Dates (2 dates) are a source of potassium and contain 8% of the RDI. Weight for weight, Medjool Dates contain more potassium than Bananas.
5. Contains 16 Essential Vitamins and Minerals
This sweet fruit is packed with goodness. A source of potassium, Medjool Dates also contain copper, magnesium, vitamin B6, niacin, calcium, iron and vitamin K.
There is no sweeter way to stay healthy than by a serving of Medjool Dates.
6. A Good Source Of Fiber
A diet rich in Fiber is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Fiber promotes digestive health while helping manage high blood pressure and promoting a healthy heart.
Medjool Dates are a good source of Fiber with a serving of 2 dates providing 13% of the RDI of Fiber. Many high fiber foods are bland and lack taste, but Medjool Dates are sweet, succulent and have a unique caramel like flavor.
7. An Excellent Alternative To Sugar
We all love something sweet but sugar – the conventional source of sweetness – contains only empty calories, no vitamins minerals or fiber.
By replacing sugar with the same weight of Medjool Dates you get the same sweet taste but also fiber, potassium and 15 other essential vitamins and minerals.
How To Use Medjool Dates?
One of the easiest ways to enjoy medjool dates is to eat them on their own, either as an independent snack or alongside other finger foods like hard cheeses, crackers, and crusty breads.
The dates do contain a pit, but it is big and generally very easy to remove. Try adding Medjool Dates to your morning cereal or use them in cooking – either whole or as date paste or syrup.