Learn how to make Date Syrup aka date honey, step by step with this easy recipe. Date syrup is a natural sweetener made with only one ingredient plus water. A healthy liquid sweetener that’s a great sugar alternative, so rich and delicious you’ll be pouring it over oatmeal, pancakes, ice cream and more.
Date Syrup Recipe
If you are trying to stay away from refined sugar, organic date syrup made from organic dates and water, is the perfect ingredient to make. Using natural sugars have many health benefits and dates are a natural source of antioxidants that are packed with vital nutrients.
Although no a low calorie product, this date honey or date nectar, it’s a healthy alternative to regular sugar (white sugar), sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with its thick texture and deep caramel-like flavor.
What Are Dates?
Dates are a fruit that comes from the date plant trees. Originally from the Middle East, dates are grown in many parts of the world including the United States. dates have different stages of ripening and can be eaten fresh or dried.
The whole fruit has so many health benefits which remain after you make the sweet syrup. They are very nutritious, high in fiber and anti-oxidants as well as vitamins and minerals.
What Do Dates Taste Like?
Whole dates have a naturally-sweet flavor with deep caramel notes
What’s In Date Syrup?
Dates: Medjool dates are soft and tender which makes them idea to make thisdate syrup recipe. Other varieties of natural dates such as deglet noor dates, can be used but they may require extra soaking.
Water: Use any water that you would drink. I prefer filtered water over tap water.
How to Make Date Syrup? Step By Step Tutorial
For specific instructions on how to make regular date syrup aka date honey, check the recipe card below.
- Rinse the dates in a colander under hot water to remove any impurities.
- Chop the dates roughly on a cutting board.
- Place dates in a pot with 4 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot and let it simmer for about an hour.
- When done, turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
- Line a sieve or a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth, muslin cloth or a nut bag and place it over a large bowl.
- Pour the date/water mixture through the sieve and squeeze the pulp to remove as much excess liquid as possible. (This process might need to be done in a couple of batches).
- Once cool, pour the date liquid into a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered until the mixture reduces by half.
- Store the date syrup in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Chef’s Tips
- Medjool dates are softer than other varieties and don’t require additional soaking.
- The syrup will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Is Date Syrup Like Molasses?
Date syrup has a similar consistency and the flavor of blackstrap molasses, that’s why sometimes it’s referred to as date molasses.
Is Date Syrup as Sweet as Honey?
Date syrup has a rich and complex caramel-like taste that is less sweet than honey or maple syrup.
What Are the Different Names of Date Syrup?
In Arabic, date syrup is known as Debes (pronounced dibs) or rub. In Hebrew this naturally sweet condiment is called silan. In the west, common names are date molasses, date honey, date sugar.
What is Date Syrup Good For?
Date syrup is not only versatile, it also has many benefits. This healthier alternative to regular sugar can be used in savory dishes as well as sweet ones. It can be used to sweetening drinks, make salad dressings, to pour over desserts like ice cream and cake and it’s the perfect natural condiment to serve with pancakes, waffles, French toast, etc.
Is Date Syrup Healthier Than Maple Syrup?
Dates are small powerhouses of nutrients compared to maple syrup which has very little nutritional value.
Storing Date Syrup
You can store date syrup in an air tight container or glass jar in the refrigerator for up to a month. As it sits in the fridge, the syrup may get a bit thicker. Simply warm it up and it will become syrupy again.
Can Date Syrup be Frozen?
Date syrup can be frozen up to 3 months when stored in an airtight container.
Date Syrup is a Great Condiment to Pour Over:
Things You May Need
Date Syrup
Ingredients
- 16 ounces dried pitted dates (Medjol or Deglet Nour)
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Place dates in a large colander and rinse them with hot tap water to remove any impurities. Next, chop the dates roughly.
- Add the chopped dates and the 4 cups of water to a large pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered for 1 hour (see notes). Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Line a sieve with cheesecloth, muslin cloth or a nut bag and place it over a large bowl.
- Pour the date/water mixture through the sieve and squeeze the pulp to remove as much excess liquid as possible. Depending on the size of your cloth, you may need to do this in batches.
- Pour the date liquid into a saucepan, (you should have about 2 cups) and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered until the mixture reduces by half, about 35 minutes. The mixture is ready when the syrup is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Cool slightly and transfer to an air tight container or jar.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Recipe Notes
- Medjol dates are softer than other varieties and don’t require simmering for more than 1 hour. Other varieties such as Deglet Nour, can be simmered for up to 2 hours if time permits.
- The syrup will continue to thicken as it cools.
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