Every year during Ramzan markets are flooded with variety of dates — the sticky ones, the dry ones, the ones with the stalk, the fresh ones and then the easily affordable packed dates found in super markets and fruit stalls. But how does one really like it? Popping them in your mouth is a favourite, but they can be prepped up in style for the same if you want to host an iftar for your friend at home or it can be at work as well.
Why dates after long hours of fasting? “Besides being nutritious, there are many scientific reasons why dates are eaten to break the fast. This dry fruit is easy to digest and it is eaten so that a fasting person’s stomach isn’t exhausted. They also reduce the hunger feeling of a fasting person and prevent them from eating excess at a time. Eating too much at a time can lead to stomach disorder,” says chef Inam who is also into fitness.
Besides the mentioned benefits he also mentions that dates prepare the stomach to receive the food after being inactive through out the day and since it is very rich with sugary energy, the body is supplied with the most important nutrient, which is also helps the brain cells and nerves. According to Inam, there are different interesting ways to enjoy dates and homemaker Hina Fasi agrees as she says, “I definitely break my fast with a few dates and glass of water but I am a big fan of dates as they are fully packed with proteins and nutrients. I have dates for ‘sehri’ because they maintain blood sugar levels and are slow energy releasers. I make a lot of deserts with dates as well.”
Date lovers irrespective of the faith they follow, love the fact that fresh dates have hit the market during Ramzan. The bunches of small red fruits adorning the bandis make an attractive sight on the streets of Hyderabad. “All these fruits require is a salt wash and they are ready to be eaten. A few dates in the bag saves me from hunger pangs at odd times,” says chef Inam, who suggests better ways to serve these delightful fruit, like stuffing a date with minced or whole nuts after deseeding them. “Marzipan dates are also a good option,” adds chef Mandar.
Mandar’s personal favourite are chocolate layered dates. “For Indian desserts I prefer date kheer,” he adds.
Does it help the health conscious? “Dates will never do any harm. In my Ramzan platter, I have dates as a must along with a variety of fruits,” says Inam.
