VANILLAGOODS / FRESH MARKET BUYING GUIDE
Dates: Buying, Storage & Baking Guide
Learn how to choose, store, and bake with dates, with quality checks and U.S. season guidance.
Stone fruit
Look for
Developed background color; no extensive green patches on peaches
Feel & texture
Gentle give around the shoulders for eat-now fruit
Aroma
A characteristic fruity scent can help; not conclusive
What to avoid
Fermented odor, deep bruises or leaking
How to store
Ripen suitable climacteric fruit at room temperature, then refrigerate
Typical U.S. season
Varies by region and availability
Growing regions and availability
High-level growing suitability depends on variety, climate and local conditions.
Seasons and growing conditions vary by location and variety. Imported or stored ingredients may be available outside typical growing windows.
Visual buying guide
Where it grows
Pick this one
Developed background color; no extensive green patches on peaches
Skip this one
Fermented odor, deep bruises or leaking
What can you bake with Dates?
Cobblers, pies, tarts and compotes
Explore date recipes →Learn more about Dates
Definition, facts and sources in our Dessert Encyclopedia.
Read “Dates” in the Dessert Encyclopedia →
