Date Syrup – A natural gourmet sweetener

August 2, 2021

Blog > Bateel Gourmet

A sweet nectar extracted from date fruits, the date syrup has been a cooking essential across the Middle East and Levant region that has been handed down for many generations.

Considered and used as one of the oldest natural sweetener, the date syrup today is known in various names in different parts of the world. It is popularly known as  ‘dhibs’ in the Middle East and ‘silan’ in Iraq. In the West, it is called ‘date honey’ or ‘date molasses’ and ‘confiture de dattes’ in France. They all refer to the same delicacy where some variety are crafted having more liquid content while others have a paste-like consistency.

How is date syrup traditionally made?

The date fruit is pitted, chopped then boiled in water. The cooked dates are then pureed and the liquid is extracted or squeezed using a strainer. Depending on the desired consistency, the residue can further be reduced to a thick paste-like texture or kept a bit runny.

Uses of date syrup

A natural substitute to artificial sugar and sweetener, it is easy to incorporate date syrup to different recipes including cakes and desserts. The unique taste of date syrup is sweet with an inimitable taste and flavour profile. It perfectly complements beverages like coffee and tea. Paired with breakfast dishes like French toast, pancakes, waffles and oatmeal or enjoyed with aged cheese, this delicacy is an indulgent all-natural, healthy sweetener.

Benefits of date syrup

Forming an integral part of the Arabian diet, date fruits are a rich source of carbohydrates, dietary fibres and various essential vitamins and minerals. As the whole fruit excluding the pit is used in crafting the syrup, all the nutrients found in the fruit are present in the syrup as well.

  • Nutritional benefits – Dates are packed with a significant amount of nutrients which are beneficial to the body. A tablespoon of date syrup contains more than twice the levels of potassium, calcium, and magnesium as compared to maple syrup or honey. Processed sugar does not contain any nutrients.
  • Antibacterial properties – The date syrup contains a number of phenolic compounds that are naturally formed within the date fruit as it matures. It is able to inhibit the growth of bacteria which artificial sweetener is incapable of.
  • Well-being enhancer – Date syrup is high in antioxidants which strengthens the immune system. As compared to honey or maple syrup, date syrup contains ten times more antioxidants, while refined sugar has none.
  • Energy booster – As dates are high in calories, consumption of even one spoon of date syrup provides energy all day long.
  • Low Glycemic Index – Date fruits ripen and become sweet through a natural process. As date is an invert sugar in a form of fructose, its syrup is easily absorbed and assimilated by the body while potentially reducing the blood sugar levels.

Date syrup can be easily stored in the refrigerator for several weeks and a flavourful substitute to honey and maple syrup.

Made up entirely of organic dates harvested using sustainable farming practices, Bateel’s date dhibs are a healthy gourmet product packed with the powerful goodness of nature. Featuring four unique flavours – vanilla, passion fruit, cardamom and classic – Bateel’s date syrup range offers inimitable taste with premium quality. The delicious date dhibs are also incorporated in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes, desserts and beverages offered in Café Bateel including the Dhibs Millefeuille and Date Latté.

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