Do Dates Go Bad?
In this brief study, we will answer the question, “do dates go bad?”. We will also talk about the shelf life, and storage methods of dates.
Do Dates Go Bad?
Yes, dates can go bad. Despite having a very long shelf life, like any other fruit, dates are susceptible to spoilage. If kept refrigerated then can last for around 6 months and even past the expiration date. You can also safely freeze the dates for up to a year.
When you store them correctly, you will guarantee that they survive longer than the date on the label indicates. However, since all fruits ripen over time and perish eventually, it is impossible to keep dates fresh indefinitely.
What is the duration of the dates?
Although dates come in a variety of varieties, they are always high in sugars, minerals, and antioxidants. You can easily consume this fruit for many months and in some cases maybe a year or more beyond the best by date. The kind of fruit will have an impact on the accuracy of the shelf-life determination. All dates may be categorized into given three categories:
Fresh – Mazafati dates are the most popular kind of fresh date.
Semi-dry – Rabbi, Piarom, Sayer, and other semi-dry varieties are among the most well-known.
Dry – Zahedi dates are the most often consumed dry dates.
| Date Shelf Life | ||
| Dates | Pantry | Fridge |
| Mazafati | 1 to 3 months | 6 months |
| Piarom | 6 months | 12 months |
| Sayer | 6 months | 12 months |
| Rabbi | 12 months | 18 months |
| Zahedi | 18 months | 24 months |
After the labeled expiration date has passed, you may store these dates in a pantry for many months. Furthermore, keeping them in the refrigerator will extend their shelf life even further.
Most of the time, one of three potential markings is used:
- Unripe, crisp, and yellowish, these dates are called Khalal (Khalal dates).
- It is the best time to consume dates that have the typical brown hue, which is called Rutab.
- The black dates grown there are overripe and contain the greatest amount of sugar is called Tamar.
5 Ways to Tell If Your date Has Gone bad
It is possible that dates may get infected with mold and bacteria if they are stored improperly, and that they will go rotten eventually.
The best part is that you can easily determine when it is suitable to discard this fruit by looking at its appearance:
Smell
When dates begin to deteriorate, the first thing you’ll notice is the terrible stench they emit. While this fruit normally has a moderate, neutral smell, when it goes bad, it develops a strong rotten or alcoholic stench that is difficult to distinguish from other fruits.
Discoloration
When the color changes, this is the next warning signal to look out for. Inedible dates are those that have abruptly darkened or developed pale patches on the surface of the fruit. Mold appearance is often associated with discoloration in the majority of instances.
Texture
When your dates get slimy and greasy to the touch, you will know it is safe to dump them in the trash. When taken in conjunction with other indications, this is a warning that you should avoid taking any chances by consuming them.
Taste
The flavor of dates will vary as they age, just as the quality of the fruit will change as it ages. Even yet, bitterness or acidity are not sensations you will get while eating safe dates. When taste changes substantially, it is best to discard the remainder of the package.
Mold
It occurs all the time that perfectly edible dates are thrown away when someone spots white specks on their surface and then mixes them with mold, which is completely unnecessary. A change in smell, color, and texture are all indicators of rotten dates. Mold is a good indication of bad dates, but it must be present to be recognized.
5 Tips for Keeping Dates Safe
There are certain basic storage recommendations that apply to all dates, regardless of the kind you have.
Pantry
The most important thing to remember while keeping dates is to store them in a dark, dry location at room temperature. Excessive heat causes spoiling to occur more quickly, while excessive moisture may result in the development of mold. As a result, the pantry is indeed the perfect location for storing these fruits.
Fridge
If you store an open date package in the fridge, white mold will rapidly grow on the surface of the dates. As a result, you should wrap the dates in transparent foil before closing the container in which they will be stored securely.
Freezer
The most serious hazard associated with freezing dates is the development of so-called freezer burns. If you wish to preserve dates for an extended time, wrap them in aluminum foil before putting them in a vessel designed for freezing.
Other FAQs about Dates that you may be interested in.
Should you keep dates in the fridge?
What are the benefits of dates?
Conclusion
In this brief study, we answered the question, “do dates go bad?”. We also talked about the shelf life and storage methods of dates.
