Kompas.com – Dates are a favorite fruit during the month of Ramadan, both for dawn and breaking the fast. However, not all dates have a natural sweet taste.
There are several dates that have been processed with additional artificial sweeteners. Therefore, it is important for consumers to find out the difference between natural sweet dates and dates that have been given additional sugar.
It is important to maintain health during Ramadan fasting by reducing sugar intake, especially for people with diabetes.
Also read: 10 Drink Recipes From Dates, Suitable for Takjil Iftar
The difference between the texture of the natural and sweet sweet dates
Dates expert from the Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Prof. Dr. Ir. Sudarsono, MSc., Explained that dates from the Middle East and North Africa are usually fresh and natural, without the addition of sweeteners. Conversely, some dates from Pakistan have been processed with the addition of sugar fluid.
Dates with natural sweetness have a harder and harder texture. Meanwhile, dates that have been given additional sweeteners tend to be softer because the heating process is carried out to insert sugar fluid into fruit tissue.
The sweet taste of natural dates and dates with additional sweeteners
Natural dates have a sweet taste that absorbs into the flesh of the fruit. Conversely, dates given the addition of sweeteners only taste sweet on the surface of the fruit because the sugar added is not completely absorbed into the fruit tissue.
Sugar content in natural and artificial sweet dates
One of the most accurate ways to distinguish natural dates and dates that have been processed is to detect the type of sugar contained in it.
Also Read: Often Eaten When Fasting Ramadan, Is Dates Safe for Diabetes?
Natural dates generally contain fructose, while dates given additional sweeteners contain a mixture of fructose and sucrose from sugar cane.
Why are dates given additional sweeteners?
Dates originating from areas with climates that are not too dry, are often harvested in perfect immature conditions which are referred to as stages Khalal or start Ruthob.
To increase the sweet taste and extend the shelf life, this dates are given additional sugar so that it resembles a natural mature dates (Tamr).
So as not to choose wrong, here are some of the characteristics of natural dates without additional sweeteners:
1. Solid texture
Natural dates usually have a harder and harder texture, with a little wrinkle. Conversely, dates artificial artificial artificial more soft, sticky, and look shiny because of the sugar layer on its surface.
Dates have a natural sweet taste that also contains a lot of beneficial nutrition, such as to prevent cancer and stabilize blood sugar.2. Sweet fruit flesh
Natural dates have a sweet taste that comes from the flesh of the fruit, not from the outer layer. If the sweetness is felt on the surface and excessive, most likely the dates have been given additional sweeteners.
3. Not surrounded by ants
Natural dates that do not contain additional sugar usually do not attract the attention of ants. If the dates are left in an open room and are not surrounded by ants, most likely the dates are natural. Conversely, dates that are surrounded by ants indicate additional sugar.
Also read: How to Eat Dates To Get Maximum Benefits
4. Having an additional sugar -without label
When buying dates at a store or supermarket, check the packaging label. Natural dates usually have a label that lists “without the addition of sugar” or “100 percent natural”.
Also make sure to read the label in various languages to ensure consistent written information.
Dates varieties with low sugar content
To reduce sugar intake, you should choose dates varieties that have lower sugar levels, such as:
Also read: 8 Benefits of Dates for Health, Consumption Every Day
- DEGLET NOOR
- Barhi is dry
- Ajwa
Conversely, date palm varieties such as medjool, sukkari, or ripe barhi tend to have higher sugar levels.
By paying attention to these characteristics and selecting dates varieties with lower sugar levels, we can enjoy the benefits of healthier dates during Ramadan.
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