Black Dates

About this product

Black dates (கருப்பு பேரிச்சம்பழம்) – soft, deeply sweet and iron-rich, the date most South Indian households keep for everyday energy rather than occasions. These are dark, wrinkled, semi-dry dates with a chewy texture and a caramel-molasses sweetness that is less sugary and more rounded than the paler varieties. They hold their shape when chopped, which makes them easier to cook with than very soft dates. The traditional use here is the simplest one: two or three with a glass of milk, often first thing in the morning or given to children and expectant mothers. Beyond that, they are the base of date and nut ladoo, they sweeten payasam and smoothies without refined sugar, they blend into energy balls with almonds and cashews, and they can be stuffed with a nut and served at the end of a meal. Dates are a natural source of iron, potassium, magnesium and dietary fibre, which is why they have a long history as a quick-energy food. Keep them in an airtight box. If they firm up over time, a few minutes of steaming or a short soak in warm milk brings the softness straight back. Order online or over WhatsApp, with cash on delivery available.