June 24, 2021 · Written by Foodtolive Team

Medjool Dates vs Noor Deglet Dates

Dates are a healthy snack and a great lunch. This dried fruit is high in vitamins A, B and C, and also contains record levels of magnesium, copper, iron and zinc, which has a positive effect on human health. Moreover, dates are known to improve immune system and endurance. If you are wondering which type is best for you, let’s figure it out right away!

The origin of medjool dates is Morocco. It is currently cultivated in Palestine, Jordan, Israel (the country where Food To Live dates are sourced from), and in California. Large in size, dense, dark brown, with a thin skin, caramel flavor, soft and sweet – these are the epithets most closely characterizing medjool dates.

Noor deglet dates come from Algeria. These dates are honey-colored, elongated, translucent, medium-sized (5-6 cm), semi-soft, sugary, slightly crunchy, with a unique taste and nutty aftertaste.

The main difference between these two types of dates is their culinary usage. Medjool dates are mostly known for their sweetness, therefore, this dried fruit is the choice number one among the bakers. Medjool dates are seen as a natural sugar substitute and are used to make a variety of date-incorporated condiments such as sweeteners and syrups. [1] On the contrary, noor deglet dates are less sweet and mostly used in whole dishes. The taste of deglet dates is nutty like.

A Guide to Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Medjool Dates

Even though medjool dates are sweeter, they have lower caloric content unlike deglet noor dates. Thus, 100g of the former equals 277 calories, the latter – 282 carolies. [2]

Health benefits of both medjool and noor deglet dates are invaluable:

• Eliminate anemia
• Stimulate the heart functioning
• Have anti-stress effect
• Improve skin and hair
• Remove the excess cholesterol from the body
• The content of vitamin B dates promotes the normal functioning and development of the muscular system
• The content of vitamin A supports and improves vision at night
• Increase appetite

* This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Dates for women

Dates are a useful companion for an active girl or woman with a heavy schedule. It’s a great snack and sandwich substitute which gives energy and does not affect your weight. During monthly periods, dates relieve irritability, fatigue, headaches and abdominal cramps. In addition, dates slow down the aging process, tightening skin and strengthening nails.

Dates for men

The trace elements found in dates strengthen the nervous system increasing resistance to stress, nervousness, and depression. Moreover, the daily consumption of dates has a positive effect on libido and potency.

Contradictions

If you are allergic, do NOT eat dates.

The overconsumption can cause tooth decay.

DON’T eat dates with citrus; as it may cause upset your stomach.

Diabetics need to be especially careful with dates. The reason is the high sugar content. The average daily intake of dates should be prescribed by a doctor.

Storage tips

Use a glass jar or plastic container to store the dates. The best way is to keep this fruit in a cool, dry and dark place. Dates can be stored in the freezer for a few years without losing their flavor.

We do NOT recommend storing the dates the following way:

• Outdoors under the sunlight (in this case they may become as hard as a rock)
• In hot conditions
• Without package

Medjoool dates vs Noor deglet dates nutrition value [3]

Add dates to your shopping list but choose the good ones

If you see the dates dried to the point that they’re hard to the touch, DON’T purchase them. Good dates should look and feel distinct from one another, rather than squished into a mushy date puck. [4]

Sugar crystallization is another thing you might be thinking about when choosing your product. You can absolutely still eat dates that have begun to sugar (they’ll be firmer than the day you brought them home, but still delicious), but you shouldn’t buy dates that are already at that stage. [4] This is actually the beginning of the aging process.

Easy recipe ideas

bbc.co.uk reports that dates can be added to cakes, biscuits and desserts when you chop them up. They’re delicious served with cheese or as an after dinner treat, stuffed with a whole almond and rolled in icing sugar. North African cuisine makes varied use of dates, notably in tagines and sweet couscous dishes. [5]

Chocolate-Mint Energy Balls

Healthiest Date Candy

• 1/2 cup of old-fashioned oats
• 6 medjool dates
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1 cup 70% cacao dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract [6]

Instructions:

• Firstly, remove the pits.
• Then add all the ingredients to a blender and process on high until the mixture starts to stick together.
• Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop a ball and roll it in between your hands. Then place it on a plate.
• Continue this process until you’ve used up all the dough.

Enjoy!

Moroccan Roasted Vegetable Salad

Healthiest Date Candy

For the salad:

• 1 medium eggplant, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 2 red bell peppers, quartered, seeded and cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon extra
• 2 tsp crushed red pepper (chili flakes)
• pinch of ground cinnamon
• pinch of salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup couscous
• 8 medjool dates, pitted and quartered
• 15 oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed & drained
• 1/2 cup mint leaves, coarsely chopped, plus extra for garnish
• 1/3 cup slivered (or sliced) almonds, toasted
• plain yogurt, for serving

For the dressing:

• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• pinch of salt & freshly ground black pepper [7]

Instruction:

• To make the dressing, combine all ingredients in a screw-top jar and shake vigorously until well combined.
• Preheat oven to 180C/350F degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Toss eggplant, bell pepper, 2 tbsp of oil, crushed red pepper, cinnamon, salt and pepper together on the baking sheet. Spread mixture out into a single layer as best as you can. Roast for 15 min.
• Meanwhile, bring broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add couscous, remaining 1 tbsp of oil and a pinch of salt and pepper; stir with a fork. Cover and remove from the heat. Let stand for 10 min before fluffing with a fork.
• Add dates and beans to the eggplant mixture. Roast for 10 min or until eggplant is softened. Drizzle the eggplant mixture with half of the dressing, tossing to coat everything. Spoon the couscous onto a serving platter or individual plates, top with the eggplant mixture, drizzle with the remaining dressing, sprinkle with mint leaves and almonds; serve with yogurt.

Enjoy!

Easy Baked Brie with Dates & Walnuts

Healthiest Date Candy

• 4,5 oz. Brie cheese
• 2 tbsp walnuts, chopped
• 3-4 dates, pitted and chopped
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• crackers or apple slices for serving

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Place the cheese on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or in a small nonstick baking dish.
• In a small bowl, mix the walnuts and dates together.
• Place the mixture on the cheese, drizzle with maple syrup and bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is warm and soft and walnuts are toasted.
• Serve warm or lukewarm with crackers or apple slices.

Enjoy!

Now having more distinct understanding of a wonderful dried fruit – dates, let’s summarize the main attributes of medjool dates and noor deglet dates.

References

1. https://woodspurfarms.com/medjool-and-pitted-dates/
2. https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Dates%2C_medjool_nutritional_value.html
3. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171726/nutrients
4. https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/how-to-buy-and-store-medjool-dates-deglet-noor-recipes-article
5. https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/date#:~:text=Preparation,and%20rolled%20in%20icing%20sugar.
6. https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Chocolate-Mint-Energy-Bites-2118063
7. https://freshhunger.com/2019/03/28/moroccan-roasted-veg-salad/