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Dates in the grocery store


Where to Find Dates in the Grocery Store? (Quick Guide)

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by Lisa Price

Dates can be found in the dried fruits and nuts section of the grocery store. If you don’t see them there, you may find either fresh or dried dates in the fresh produce aisle.

Dates

Dried fruits and nuts are often in the same corner of the store. Since there aren’t usually enough items to take up a whole aisle, they’re usually tucked in by the snacks. For instance, if your store has an aisle with popcorn, candy, and potato chips, there might be a section with granola and other healthier snacks nearby.

That’s a likely spot to find nuts, dried fruits, and dates. Dried dates are a much more common sight in the supermarket than fresh ones. But, if you don’t find dates in the dried fruits and nuts area, try the produce section.

You may find fresh dates there, especially in a high-end or specialty grocery store. And sometimes, there is also an area with dried fruit within the produce aisle.

There are often even small displays with harder-to-find items, like dates, tucked in near other fresh fruits. You might find fresh dates in vacuum-sealed bags or produce containers.

If you have trouble finding dates and you don’t want to ask an associate in the store for help, another trick is to look for figs. Figs are closely related to dates and also come either dried or fresh. So if you find them, dates might not be too far away.

There are two main types of dates you’ll probably see. Medjool dates are larger, have wrinkly skin, and look like a fat raisin. They’re considered sweeter and softer than other dates, so they are often used in recipes that require a strong flavor profile.

Deglet Noor dates are sometimes just called ‘regular dates.’ They’re a bit smaller, smoother, and chewier. So, they’re pretty commonly found in snacks and trail mixes. You might only find one variety locally, but you have some options if you look online.

Though dates are grown in the United States and Mexico, their heritage is stronger in the Middle East, so if you live near a Middle Eastern market or specialty store, they may have even more varieties of dates.

Where to buy Dates near me?

As a rule, you can usually find dried dates in a large supermarket. The more extensive and specialized the produce section, the more likely you will find fresh dates. So, if you have a local grocer with only a small sampling, you might have to go to a more diversely-stocked store.

If you’re near any of these stores, they all should have dates. In general, fresh dates are harder to find than dried. But some stores have both.

  • Whole Foods recently opened a massive new store in San Francisco. Like many other Whole Foods locations, they have fresh and dried dates in stock. They also have a date spread and energy bars made with dates for a handy snack on the go. 
  • Safeway stores often sell dates. Check online to see if they’re in stock at the Safeway market nearest you. You may also be able to order dates from Safeway for delivery.
  • Trader Joe’s has more than 500 stores nationwide. They don’t all have fresh dates but should have dried dates in stock. Check with your local Trader Joe’s store to see what’s available.
  • Target stores sometimes have big grocery, produce, and fresh food sections where you might find fresh dates. Almost every Target has a dried snacks section where you might find dried dates.

How to buy dates online?

  • Amazon has a few options for dried dates. Some popular choices include Joolies Organic Whole Medjool Dates, Terrasoul Organic Pitted Medjool Dates, and Sunny Fruit Deglet Nour Pitted Dates.
  • Medjool Dates offers an impressive selection of fresh dates. Medjool is actually a specific type of date, but you’ll find Zahidi Dates and Brown Barhi Dates to choose from as well. 
  • Instacart offers a variety of fresh and dried dates, though options vary a bit depending on where you live.
  • Walmart has dates on the shelf in their brick-and-mortar stores with a grocery aisle. Or, you can also order online. Look for Bard Valley Fresh Dates, Food to Live Whole Medjool Dates, and Made In Nature Organic Deglet Noor Dried Dates.

What can i get instead of Dates?

Some substitutes for dates include:

Raisins

Raisins

Cranberries

Cranberries

Fruit Spreads

Fruit Spread

The overall best substitute for dates is dried raisins. If you’re making cookies, cake, or another recipe that calls for chopped dates, chopped raisins are nearly indistinguishable. Plus, they have a similar fruit taste and almost the same consistency as a dried date.

Raisins are also just about the closest fruit substitute for fresh dates. But no one will be fooled by a tiny raisin posing as a date that’s usually much larger.

If you don’t have raisins, cranberries are also a close approximation for the flavor of a date. They’re an easy date substitute for a baking recipe, though you might want to roll them in a bit of honey, as they can be much tarter than dates.

Finally, you can also substitute date preserves or a spread for fresh or dried dates. If you don’t have any date spread, other fruit spreads can be used to add a bit of sweet flavor to a recipe as a substitute.

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Where to Buy Dates in the Grocery Store (Check These Aisles...)

by Joey Bruno

Disclosure: As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.

Trying to figure out where they keep the dates in the grocery store? Here are the aisles to look in...

We'll also tell you which stores tend to carry them. ..

Quick Summary: Our favorite place to buy dates is MedjoolDays.com. They carry multiple different types of dates including Medjool, Zehidi, Bahri and many more. To save 10% on your entire order use code JOE61125 at checkout.

Navigate This Article Using The Links Below

Which Grocery Store Aisle Are Dates In?

What Stores Sell Dates?

Great Ways to Use Dates

Which Grocery Store Aisle Are Dates In?

You'll probably want to start in the aisle with the dried fruits and nuts. This could be the snack area, but it could also be a separate aisle.

If you don't see dates with the dried fruits, look in the produce area. Many times, grocery stores put dried dates in displays around the fruit aisles. 

There's a chance that you'll find fresh dates in the produce section, but it really depends on which store you're shopping in (we'll show you which ones you'll have success in below).

Your last stop is the bulk aisle. But if you're still not seeing dates, our store guide will help you find them...

Related Article: Where to Buy Crystallized Ginger in the Grocery Store

What Stores Sell Dates?

  • Medjool Days - Amazing selection of multiple date varieties and always super fresh. Use code JOE61125 to save 10%
  • Amazon - Shop around on Amazon for different kinds of dates. You'll find sweet medjool dates, deglet noor dates and, most likely, bulk deals.
  • Walmart - Look for Great Value Pitted Dates, Sunsweet Dates and other brands in the dried fruit and veggie aisle of Walmart. The store locator on the company website will help you track which items are available in stores and online.
  • Your Local Health Food Store - You might find bulk dried dates at your local natural food store. If not, look for packaged dates with the dried fruits.
  • Whole Foods - Whole Foods shoppers can pick up 365 Everyday Value Pitted Dates as well as a variety of brands.
  • Target - At a Target? Check the dried fruit aisle of the grocery section for Simply Balanced Organic Pitted Deglet Noor Dates.
  • Safeway - Safeway stocks Sunsweet and Signature Kitchens dates.
  • Trader Joe's - Usually, you can find store brand dates at Trader Joe's, whether they're medjool or deglet noor dates.
  • Kroger - Kroger sells Sun-Maid and Mariani dates.
  • Publix - At Publix, you can get store-brand dried dates, but you might actually be able to get fresh dates, too.
  • Farmers Markets - If you live in an area where dates are grown, check farmers markets when they're in season.
  • Ethnic Markets - Ethnic markets may also have fresh dates, especially Middle Eastern markets.

You Might Also Like: Where to Buy Currants in the Grocery Store

Great Ways to Use Dates

Make Date Syrup

Looking for a vegan sweetener you can use in absolutely anything? Try date syrup. Basically, you just make a reduction sauce with dates and water. It's sweet, delicious and ready to be used in recipes or drizzled on top of oatmeal in the morning.

You Might Also Like: Where to Buy Fennel Seeds in the Grocery Store

Make Vegan Caramel

Dates have a natural caramel flavor, so they're ideal for vegan caramel. You don't even need to cook them—just whir them in a blender with a few simple ingredients to make raw caramel sauce that rivals any less-than-healthy caramel recipe out there.

Related Article: Where to Buy Flaxseed Oil in the Grocery Store

Use Them in Chutney

You don't have to use dates for sweet recipes only. They make great additions to all kinds of savory recipes. Looking for an easy starting point? Make a date chutney or sauce and serve it with grilled tofu, roasted cauliflower or any meal you like.y

Also Related: Where to Buy Nutritional Yeast in Bulk

BEFORE YOU LEAVE: Don't forget to check out MedjoolDays.com for some of the most amazing dates you can find. Use code JOE61125 at checkout to save 10%. 

Joey Bruno

Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!

Categories Where to Find Items in the Grocery Store

Date palm

Growing date palm from seed at home

Growing date palm in an apartment requires patience. Even with proper care, the plant develops slowly. Only after 5-8 years does it turn into an elegant tree. After planting the seeds from dates bought at the grocery store, in a few years you can admire the exotic tree decorating the interior of the apartment.

Date seed planting

Rules for the care of the date palm

Watering, top dressing, temperature

Pests and diseases of the date palm

, which is not as decorative as, for example, the multi-stemmed Robelin date with beautiful feathery leaves or the Canarian date. But with proper care, the tree also looks very attractive.

Planting and picking dates

Even without the use of various tricks, such as filing the hard shell of the stones, soaking them in hot water (with subsequent soaking in it for 2 weeks), covering the surface of the soil with moss over the planting site, seeds, usually grow well. Only shoots will have to wait a long time - from 2 to 6 months. It is necessary to deepen the date bones into the ground vertically by 1-1.5 cm, no more. Before planting, they should be well disinfected in a weak solution of potassium permanganate to prevent decay.

When shoots appear, a little nitrogen fertilizer can be applied to the soil (for better growth of the future palm tree). A young palm tree should be in a well-lit place. After about two weeks, if the stone was germinated in a small bowl, the plant, which has grown to 10-15 cm, is dived, that is, transplanted into a larger container. The soil can be bought at the store or prepared independently by mixing soddy soil with rotted peat (compost) and sand (perlite) in a ratio of 4:4:1. A good addition to the mixture is crushed charcoal.

So that the roots of the seedling feel comfortable and do not rot in case of waterlogging, a drainage layer of at least 5 cm must be poured onto the bottom of the pot. These can be fragments of brick or ceramics, nut shells, expanded clay. Having transplanted the plant to a new place, the soil near the roots is crushed to avoid the formation of cavities inside the pot, and then watered. After these procedures, the young palm tree is placed in the shade for one week. For the speedy formation of a good root system, the seedling can be covered with a jar or a transparent plastic film. It turns out a small greenhouse, which is periodically ventilated and condensate is removed from the walls. In the first 4-5 years of growth, the palm tree is transplanted (transferred) into a larger container every year. The best time for this is spring.

Date palm care instructions

The date palm, like all plants, needs proper care. For those who are familiar with growing indoor flowers, difficulties are unlikely to arise. The palm tree will need timely transplantation (transshipment) into pots larger than the previous "housing", regular fertilizing suitable for this type of plant, watering and good lighting. In order for the palm tree to form a beautiful crown, it is periodically rotated. In this case, the tree will grow symmetrical.

Transplant. The date is transplanted with the preservation of an earthy coma, focusing on the size of the crown and pot. If the palm branches are spread wider than the diameter of the container in which the tree grows, this means that it needs a more spacious area for further development. When placing the plant in a new pot, the trunk is not buried below the soil level that it was before transplanting. It is clearly visible on the stem. Young palms are transplanted annually, adults - once every 3-4 years.

Palm watering

Irrigation is carried out depending on the "climate" of the apartment or house, taking into account the time of year. It is necessary to pay attention to the state of the earthy coma, if it is dry, the plant needs to be watered. In summer, in hot weather, the soil where the palm tree grows is moistened daily, preventing it from drying out. In addition, the plant needs frequent spraying - 3 times a day, it leads to the activation of the growth of green mass, the development of the trunk, and prevents the tips of the leaves from drying out. In winter, dates are watered about every three days. Since the air in apartments during the cold season is usually dry, palm leaves and stems must be moistened with a spray bottle.

Feeding palm trees

In winter, the plant is dormant, so its growth should not be stimulated by frequent fertilization. Experienced flower growers believe that in the cold season, the palm tree should be fed no more than once a month, using mineral supplements. The main top dressing dates are needed from April to September (2 times a month). They can be done in two ways: through the roots and through the leaves. In order not to cause burns of the root system, before feeding the plant, the soil must be well watered.

Fertilization should be avoided immediately after transplantation, as the plant is stressed at this time. When the palm gets sick and gets used to the new "home", and it takes about two weeks, the soil can be fertilized. Useful substances home date receives when using solutions of mullein (1:10), bird droppings (1:20), mineral fertilizers used for indoor plants.

Foliar top dressing of the date palm is carried out along the stems, as well as on the lower and upper sides of the leaves. Their inner part is more porous and better absorbs nutrients. The procedure is carried out as an additional one, mainly in case of root injuries received during transplantation, as well as in cases of yellowing or wilting of the leaves. Such symptoms are a signal that the palm tree lacks the necessary nutrients or lacks such important elements as potassium, phosphorus, iron, nitrogen.

Maintaining optimal temperature

The date palm does not tolerate excessive dryness and may lose foliage. Therefore, it should not be near heating batteries. When airing the room, the plant must be protected from drafts, they are contraindicated for it. In the conditions of an apartment in summer, the tree feels quite comfortable even at an air temperature of +30 degrees (with the necessary moistening of the roots and leaves). In winter, when the plant is at rest, it tolerates a temperature of + 16-18 degrees quite normally.

Date palm pests

Among the most dangerous pests that can cause significant damage to an exotic tree are spider mites (see photo), scale insects, false scale insects, mealybugs and thrips. Pests, if they appear, can be destroyed mechanically by rubbing the leaves with a home-made preparation consisting of soap and vodka (15 grams of liquid soap and 1 tablespoon of alcohol). If necessary, the procedure is carried out repeatedly. It is necessary to ensure that the solution does not enter the soil. It’s great if there is an ultraviolet lamp in the arsenal of flower growers, with which it is useful to irradiate the plant after treatment. A heavily affected palm tree is sprayed with insecticides. Actellik gives good results. A good prevention against ticks is the daily reusable spraying of palm trees with settled water.

Diseases of the date palm

The most dangerous diseases of the date are spotting (see photo) and rot. The first disease affects the leaves. Uneven spots and dots form on them, inside of which there are spores of the fungus, as a result of which the palm tree becomes ugly, losing its decorative appearance. Rot is able to develop on the entire ground part of the tree, it can completely rot and die. The date is treated with the help of special preparations - fungicides, treating the plant every two weeks until the signs of damage disappear. The diseased parts of the palm must be removed.

To prevent diseases and pest attacks, the plant should be treated twice a year with the appropriate “chemistry”. As a rule, most often troubles can be expected when the date palm is not taken care of enough. Therefore, the key to health is proper care.
Gardener

7 health benefits of Chinese red dates - ET

pixabay © CC0 1.0) | Epoch Times Russia" loading="lazy" />

Red dates are a health food. (Image: pixabay © CC0 1.0 )

Chinese red dates, or jujube, are one of the most popular diet foods in China. Dried dates are soft on the outside, moist on the inside with a pleasant sweet smell. The Chinese refer to red dates as a tonic. Many herbal recipes contain dates and are used to balance chi. In China, dates are given as gifts to friends and relatives.

How Chinese red dates are brewed for tea depends on their effectiveness. Since the skin of red dates is tough, they will not lose useful substances during brewing. Therefore, before use, it is best to break the dates. When brewing tea, they should not be kept in hot water for too long, as the vitamin C content of the dates will decrease.

Recently, the popularity of jujube in the West has been growing. It looks and tastes like a brown Medjool date, but contains half the calories and sugar and 32 times the amount of vitamin C. It also contains 18 of the 24 amino acids that are involved in protein synthesis in the body. Jujube has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat insomnia, as it contains an adaptogen, a sedative.

The second name of jujube is “French chest berry”. (Image credit: pixabay © CC0 1.0 )

The fruit grows on the jujube tree and tastes great both fresh (crispy) and dried (sweet and viscous). You can buy them at a health food store, supermarket, or Chinese grocery store.

Below are 7 ways to consume Chinese red dates and the benefits of each:

1. Red date wine (supports blood flow)

Chinese red dates soaked in red wine will help maintain strong blood flow through the arteries. During soaking, the nutrients of the dates are easily dissolved in the wine.

2. Soaking Chinese red dates (liver detoxification)

Soaking dates in water nourishes the liver and removes toxins from the body. Drinking red date water daily can increase the body's whey protein levels, which helps protect the liver and flush out toxins from the body.

Jujube is an integral part of Chinese culture. (Image credit: pixabay © CC0 1.0 )

3. Chinese red date porridge and tea

You can cook red dates with millet or jujube tea. The recipe is this: boil an equal amount of dried lily flowers, lotus seeds and red dates in water. Let it brew a little, and you can drink. This will help relieve stress, calm your nerves and prepare you for sleep.

4. Steamed Jujube with Mushroom (gets rid of blemishes and freckles)

Steamed red Chinese dates with black mushroom will preserve your youth and muscle tone. They also help to reduce freckles on the face.

Soak about 10 Chinese red dates in water for two hours, then steam for one hour. Then soak about 15 grams of black fungus in warm water for at least 15 minutes, then cut into small pieces. Add to the dates and transfer to a pot of water.

Bring water to a boil and simmer for half an hour. Add sugar to taste.

Red date tea is good to drink before going to bed. (Photo: Ken FUNAKOSHI / via flickr i / CC BY-SA 2.0)

5. Chinese red date soup (keeps you young)

Red dates boiled with eggs will help keep you young. Boil red dates with longan fruit and brown sugar until the dates and longan are soft. Lower the heat and add one egg to the mixture. Cook until done.

6. Chinese tea with red dates and ginger (calms the stomach)

Red dates boiled with raw ginger soothes the stomach. Combine licorice, cloves and frankincense and grind into a powder. Then add red dates, raw ginger and salt to taste, add water and bring the mixture to a boil.

jujube. (Image: pixabay © CC0 1.0 )

7. Chinese Black Date Red Date Tea (protects the throat)

Red date tea can also help relieve dry throats. Roast a few red dates, stirring occasionally, until they turn black, then boil the dates and serve them as tea. The addition of longan fruit will also help in the treatment of dry throat.

The author of this article Armin Auctor is not a medical professional.

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