Can my dog eat Medjool dates? Why do they look like that? How do they grow? You asked, and we’re answering the top questions we get about Medjool dates!
You may have heard of Medjool dates from other locations, but it’s by no accident that the original six Medjool date palms that were transported from Morocco to the U.S. were planted in Bard Valley. We grow here because it is the most ideal growing conditions for Medjool dates. Bard Valley has an extremely dry desert climate which helps the fruit grow plump and juicy while protecting them from microbial contamination and mold which can occur in other areas that produce more moisture.
Medjool dates are a very hands-on crop. Each tree requires several visits throughout the year to produce the beautiful fruit you see in your store. Here’s a video explaining our growing process from start to finish:
Nope! They are a fresh, whole fruit! So why the skin appearance, you might ask? Much like our own skin when we are exposed to extreme heat, it can become dry and tight. Thankfully, Medjool dates have that protective layer of skin to contain the high moisture content within each fruit while they grow so that the eating experience does not feel like a traditional dried fruit. Medjool dates have a decadent chewy texture, even after growing in such high temperatures.
Here are a few helpful tips for storing:
Here are signs that your dates are spoiled:
*If you ever purchase our dates and they look spoiled upon opening the container, all you have to do is reach out to us here and we’ll make it right.
Not all sugar is created equal. Fresh fruits have naturally occurring sugars that our body needs to provide energy versus processed sugars which create sugar highs and subsequent crashes in our body. Medjool dates are low on the glycemic index which means the sugars from the dates process slower in our body than traditional sugars, making them an excellent source of energy and healthy nutrients.
Here is a deeper explanation on glycemic index and the sugars found in Medjool dates.
In short, yes!
We recommend consulting with your child’s pediatrician to ensure you are introducing foods at the appropriate time, but Medjool dates are an excellent snack for little ones. Check out our Kid Nutrition resource page for more information and snack recommendations from our registered dietitian partners.
Dogs can have Medjool dates in moderation as they are perfectly safe to consume. Keep in mind that dates are high in fiber and have higher natural sugars, so start with a small piece to see how your dog’s tummy responds (much like with watermelon).
Check out our FAQ page for additional questions or ask our team a question here.
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