faq
What exactly are ‘vacuum-packed’ or ‘pressed dates’? And why are they so sticky?
Great question! Vacuum-packed, or pressed dates, are not a ‘variety’ of dates per se, but this term rather refers to what happens to the dates after harvest. For example, a fresh or dried Sukari date can come from the same exact tree and harvest of a Sukari date that you would find in a pack of our pressed Sukari dates. However, dates that are used to make pressed dates are left in the desert sun for several weeks post-harvest, being left to ripen even further and to produce their own natural nectar/syrup.
Can I buy any variety of date as ‘vacuum-sealed’?
Unfortunately, not. While you theoretically could vacuum seal any date, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should. As explained in the question above, the dates are left in the sun post-harvest in order to ripen further. This process works for some varieties of dates better than others. Differing consistencies and moisture contents are the main determining factors for choosing which varieties of dates to use for vacuum-packing. For example, Medjool dates, despite how yummy they may be, just don’t work so well to vacuum pack. Varieties like Kholas and Sukari have ideal characteristics that allow them to be prepared as pressed dates.
Can you tell me more about the process behind ‘vacuum-packed’ dates?
Of course! To start from the beginning, our farmers spend the whole year working hand-in-hand with nature using natural and sustainable farming practices in order to prepare the dates for harvest in late July / early August. Once harvest time comes around, our farmers carefully select the dates by hand and prepare them to rest in the desert sun to begin their post-ripening process. The dates are spread out on a flat surface, often on palm fronds and gradually ripen further. The dates are then collected, slightly pressed together, and then vacuum sealed in order to maintain their taste, freshness, moisture content, and most deliciously, the syrup itself. Naturally produced date syrup is a known delicacy in the Middle East called, "dibs/debs", commonly used in similar ways to honey.
Are the dates heated up to make ‘vacuum-sealed’ dates?
Surprisingly, not. High levels of heat would destroy important nutrients that are contained in a date, so it is important to us that the dates can remain in their natural raw state. Due to the low moisture content of dates compared to other fruits, they are less prone to mold or bacterial growth, allowing them to be safely stored for extended periods when properly sealed.
What are these white sugar-like crystals on my dates?
No need to worry! This just means that your dates have crystallized. This is nothing to be concerned about, it is a natural process that occurs with dates, especially sticky dates.
Considering the high sugar content of dates, they have a tendency to crystallize just like honey. Sukari dates are especially prone to crystallization and many actually prefer their dates this way.
How and when are the dates harvested?
The date harvest season typically begins in late July to early August and often continues into October. The dates are carefully hand-picked to ensure a consistent premium quality and optimal ripeness.
Where are your dates from?
We are proud to say that all of our dates are single sourced and sustainably grown on an oasis of a farm in Al Ghat, Saudi Arabia.
Maan, one of our co-founders, visited the farm personally, most recently as of September 2024 to ensure that our farmers operate under our quality standards. To put it simply, the farm was nothing short of impressive. Beautifully located and operated with precision, care and love, we truly believe that the energy that travels from farmer to farm affects the quality of the harvested goods.
Why are your dates packaged in plastic?
Our dates are packaged in plastic, which might not sound the most appealing, however, it is the only way to ensure that the dates will maintain their quality. Different from other types of dates, our dates are ripened in the sun after being harvested and then pressed, causing a process in which the natural nectar, or syrup, of the dates gets released. They are then vacuum sealed, ensuring that they reach the consumer exactly as intended. That's what makes our dates so special, but unfortunately, it's just not possible to package this style of dates any other way.
How should I store my dates?
For the longest shelf life, our dates are best stored somewhere dry, cool, and dark. For specific storage recommendations, please check the product description or contact us directly.
Generally, sealed dates are quite durable, but proper storage ensures they stay fresh longer. After opening, you can store your dates differently according to your own individual, unique preferences. For soft, sticky dates, store them in a warmer spot to allow their natural syrup to develop. For lightly crystallized, honey-like dates, store them in the refrigerator.
How can I make my dates more syrup-like?
Good question! Leaving your dates somewhere warm allows the dates to release more of their syrup.
How can I make my dates form sugar crystals?
Leaving your dates somewhere cold, like in the refrigerator, could cause them to naturally crystallize. These sugar crystals are completely edible and in fact, desired by many. Ironically, leaving your dates somewhere warm first until they get more syrup-like and then storing them somewhere cold can promote the crystallization process. Crystallization tends to happen more quickly with Sukari dates.
How soon will my order be sent out?
Considering that we are still a small business, we try to get orders shipped out at least twice a week. If you are experiencing any issues or delays with your order, please don't hesitate to send us an email at team@dattelmond.ch
Do you deliver outside of Switzerland?
At the moment, we only deliver to Switzerland. As much as we would love to offer our dates to the rest of Europe, we simply haven't yet managed the logistics of shipping internationally.
Our goal is to eventually deliver to other European countries, with neighboring countries being prioritized. So, check back regularly to see if we deliver to your country!
Where can I buy your dates in-person?
Our dates our now available for sale in ’s Fachl in St. Gallen! You may also find us at a market near you, so stay updated on our instagram (@dattelmond) to see where you'll find us next!
What is a "local delivery"?
Local deliveries within CH-8580 are handled personally by us, free of charge and with no minimum order requirement. We're delighted to provide our neighbors with quality products while eliminating the need for packaging.
What exactly are ‘vacuum-packed’ or ‘pressed dates’? And why are they so sticky?
Great question! Vacuum-packed, or pressed dates, are not a ‘variety’ of dates per se, but this term rather refers to what happens to the dates after harvest. For example, a fresh or dried Sukari date can come from the same exact tree and harvest of a Sukari date that you would find in a pack of our pressed Sukari dates. However, dates that are used to make pressed dates are left in the desert sun for several weeks post-harvest, being left to ripen even further and to produce their own natural nectar/syrup.
Can I buy any variety of date as ‘vacuum-sealed’?
Unfortunately, not. While you theoretically could vacuum seal any date, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should. As explained in the question above, the dates are left in the sun post-harvest in order to ripen further. This process works for some varieties of dates better than others. Differing consistencies and moisture contents are the main determining factors for choosing which varieties of dates to use for vacuum-packing. For example, Medjool dates, despite how yummy they may be, just don’t work so well to vacuum pack. Varieties like Kholas and Sukari have ideal characteristics that allow them to be prepared as pressed dates.
Can you tell me more about the process behind ‘vacuum-packed’ dates?
Of course! To start from the beginning, our farmers spend the whole year working hand-in-hand with nature using natural and sustainable farming practices in order to prepare the dates for harvest in late July / early August. Once harvest time comes around, our farmers carefully select the dates by hand and prepare them to rest in the desert sun to begin their post-ripening process. The dates are spread out on a flat surface, often on palm fronds and gradually ripen further. The dates are then collected, slightly pressed together, and then vacuum sealed in order to maintain their taste, freshness, moisture content, and most deliciously, the syrup itself. Naturally produced date syrup is a known delicacy in the Middle East called, "dibs/debs", commonly used in similar ways to honey.
Are the dates heated up to make ‘vacuum-sealed’ dates?
Surprisingly, not. High levels of heat would destroy important nutrients that are contained in a date, so it is important to us that the dates can remain in their natural raw state. Due to the low moisture content of dates compared to other fruits, they are less prone to mold or bacterial growth, allowing them to be safely stored for extended periods when properly sealed.
What are these white sugar-like crystals on my dates?
No need to worry! This just means that your dates have crystallized. This is nothing to be concerned about, it is a natural process that occurs with dates, especially sticky dates.
Considering the high sugar content of dates, they have a tendency to crystallize just like honey. Sukari dates are especially prone to crystallization and many actually prefer their dates this way.
How and when are the dates harvested?
The date harvest season typically begins in late July to early August and often continues into October. The dates are carefully hand-picked to ensure a consistent premium quality and optimal ripeness.
Where are your dates from?
We are proud to say that all of our dates are single sourced and sustainably grown on an oasis of a farm in Al Ghat, Saudi Arabia.
Maan, one of our co-founders, visited the farm personally, most recently as of September 2024 to ensure that our farmers operate under our quality standards. To put it simply, the farm was nothing short of impressive. Beautifully located and operated with precision, care and love, we truly believe that the energy that travels from farmer to farm affects the quality of the harvested goods.
Why are your dates packaged in plastic?
Our dates are packaged in plastic, which might not sound the most appealing, however, it is the only way to ensure that the dates will maintain their quality. Different from other types of dates, our dates are ripened in the sun after being harvested and then pressed, causing a process in which the natural nectar, or syrup, of the dates gets released. They are then vacuum sealed, ensuring that they reach the consumer exactly as intended. That's what makes our dates so special, but unfortunately, it's just not possible to package this style of dates any other way.
How should I store my dates?
For the longest shelf life, our dates are best stored somewhere dry, cool, and dark. For specific storage recommendations, please check the product description or contact us directly.
Generally, sealed dates are quite durable, but proper storage ensures they stay fresh longer. After opening, you can store your dates differently according to your own individual, unique preferences. For soft, sticky dates, store them in a warmer spot to allow their natural syrup to develop. For lightly crystallized, honey-like dates, store them in the refrigerator.
How can I make my dates more syrup-like?
Good question! Leaving your dates somewhere warm allows the dates to release more of their syrup.
How can I make my dates form sugar crystals?
Leaving your dates somewhere cold, like in the refrigerator, could cause them to naturally crystallize. These sugar crystals are completely edible and in fact, desired by many. Ironically, leaving your dates somewhere warm first until they get more syrup-like and then storing them somewhere cold can promote the crystallization process. Crystallization tends to happen more quickly with Sukari dates.
How soon will my order be sent out?
Considering that we are still a small business, we try to get orders shipped out at least twice a week. If you are experiencing any issues or delays with your order, please don't hesitate to send us an email at team@dattelmond.ch
Do you deliver outside of Switzerland?
At the moment, we only deliver to Switzerland. As much as we would love to offer our dates to the rest of Europe, we simply haven't yet managed the logistics of shipping internationally.
Our goal is to eventually deliver to other European countries, with neighboring countries being prioritized. So, check back regularly to see if we deliver to your country!
Where can I buy your dates in-person?
Our dates our now available for sale in ’s Fachl in St. Gallen! You may also find us at a market near you, so stay updated on our instagram (@dattelmond) to see where you'll find us next!
What is a "local delivery"?
Local deliveries within CH-8580 are handled personally by us, free of charge and with no minimum order requirement. We're delighted to provide our neighbors with quality products while eliminating the need for packaging.