DATE PASTE – ALL NATURAL SWEETENER

I’ve been using date paste since I couldn’t get my hands on stevia. Why not honey, since its natural? I dislike the taste of honey because it makes me puke. Each time I use date paste for some for clients, they come back asking for more. So I decided to share the recipe with illustrations.

What you need

• 1 ‘Mudu’ of date
• 1-cup (250ml) water
• Saucepan or pot
• Hand Blender or blender or food processor
• Empty container for storage

This recipe is super easy; I will explain two ways of making it.

RECIPE 1 (The one I made)

• Tie date in a nylon bag for 3 days to soften a little (this is optional if your date is soft, mine was super hard)
• After three days, open up dates to remove seeds
• Wash out any insect
• Put date in a saucepan or pot and pour 1 cup of water
• Cook for 10 to 30 minutes under very low heat
• When the date starts falling apart (extremely soft), put it down and cool
• Now blend until its pureed

RECIPE 2

• Remove seeds from date
• Wash and soak overnight or for 12 hours with water. Make sure the water covers the top
• Blend the date until it forms a paste

NOTE: If you’re using ordinary blender, you might want to add little water when blending.

Try adding cinnamon or vanilla extract for a richer taste.

Store in the fridge/freezer.

I divide mine in 4 parts; place 3 parts in the freezer and 1 part in fridge. When I’m done using the one in the fridge, I move to another container. This can last up to 3 months in the fridge with constant light.

I prefer recipe 2 because it tastes better than recipe 1.

USAGE

This can be used in tea, coffee, pap, cereal, baking or even as spread.

BENEFITS OF DATES