Dried date flakes are a sweet and chewy snack that can be eaten on their own or used as a versatile ingredient in a variety of recipes. Drying dates removes their moisture, resulting in a thick, natural sweetness and a slightly chewy texture.
To prepare dry date sheets, you need fresh dates and a drainer or an oven.
By washing dates, any dirt or garbage is removed. Then, gently cut along one side of each date and remove the seed and prepare for drying.
After the dates are sliced, cut them into thin and uniform pieces. Depending on your taste, you can cut them round or lengthwise into strips. Cuts are made about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
Arrange the date sheets in a single layer on the trays so that they do not overlap. The dehydrator is set to a low temperature of about 135°F (57°C) and the dates are dried for 12 to 24 hours. The drying time may vary based on the moisture content of the dates and the desired texture.
Store dried date slices in a sealed container or bag, properly dried and stored date slices can last for several months.
Dried date slices can be eaten alone as a healthy snack or used in a variety of recipes such as granola, energy balls, salads, baked goods, or trail mixes. They add natural sweetness and a caramel-like flavor to foods. You can also rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water for a few minutes before using them in recipes that call for softer dates.
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