Date sugar

Date sugar is made from ground dates, not from refined sugar crystals. The dried fruit is milled into a coarse, tan to brown granulated powder that carries all the sweetness, fiber and fruity flavor of dates.

Because it is ground fruit, date sugar may not dissolve completely in recipes, so it suits coarse foods such as cookies, granola bars and crumb toppings better than smooth custards or clear syrups. It also attracts moisture and can clump, and it can scorch at high heat.

Bakers often replace some or all of the white or brown sugar in a recipe with date sugar, though it is less sweet and baked goods may come out darker and slightly chewier. Store it in an airtight container.