Many Adulterated Dates in Circulation, Here Are 3 Ways to Tell Them Apart
Dates are the fruit most frequently mentioned in the Qur’an. In Mu’jam Al-Mufahras li Al-Fazhil Qur’an, ’Abd al-Baqi explains that dates appear 20 times in 16 surahs in the Qur’an.
One verse in the holy book that mentions dates is Surah Maryam, verses 23–25. Those two verses recount the distress Maryam experienced when about to give birth. She leans on the trunk of a date palm. Then God, through the angel Jibril, orders Maryam to shake the trunk of the palm towards her, and the ripened dates fall to be eaten and as a remedy for the pain of childbirth.
Dates are high in fibre and antioxidants. Their nutritional benefits can support brain health and prevent disease.
One of the antioxidants in dates is phenolic acid. This substance can help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
To avoid choosing incorrectly, here are some signs that a date contains added sweeteners, summarised from various sources:
- The sweetness is too strong and only on the surface
Taste a date before buying if possible. Dates with added sugar usually have a very strong sweetness and a sharp bite in the teeth. It is not uncommon for it to cause tooth sensitivity when bitten.
This differs from natural dates, whose sweetness penetrates into the flesh of the fruit, not just on the exterior.
- The texture tends to be too soft
Natural dates generally have a firm, slightly chewy texture. Meanwhile dates that have been infused with sugar syrup usually feel softer.
This soft texture can arise from heating during which the syrup is added to permeate the surface of the fruit.
- Easily infested by ants
One of the easiest signs to recognise is the presence of ants. Dates with added sweeteners tend to attract ants more quickly, especially if left uncovered.
Conversely, natural dates generally do not attract ants quickly because the additional sugar content on the surface is not excessive.
The public is advised to be more careful before buying, especially during Ramadan when date consumption increases. In addition to choosing the best quality, paying attention to sugar content is important so that intake remains controlled during fasting.