Strange-looking Californian Medjool Dates

October 5, 2008 9:45 AM

What's with the white spots on these Medjool Dates? Take a look at these pictures. I've eaten tons of Medjool dates in my life, from California and the Middle East, but I've never seen this.

About 20-30% of the dates have these white dots on the bottom - and only on the bottom. They also appear to be right under the skin. Being adventurous, I've eaten a few and they haven't made me sick or killed me - they actually taste perfect. But I'm still curious what these dots are (and if they'll kill me a few weeks from now).

posted by exhilaration to food & drink (4 answers total)

If i had to venture an educated guess I'd say sugar deposits. I've had a few dates like this before, and the usually more ripe and taste a bit sweeter.
posted by billypilgrim at 9:52 AM on October 5, 2008

Sugar is a good guess; Medjools are known among dates for high sucrose content.
posted by jamjam at 10:20 AM on October 5, 2008

Those look exactly like the dates I eat every day.
posted by Manhasset at 10:46 AM on October 5, 2008

Alright, sugar deposits it is. Thanks!
posted by exhilaration at 1:00 PM on October 6, 2008