About the size of an olive, the black date has a pungent, slightly smoky fragrance, sweet flavor not dissimilar to that of a truffle.
Dried black dates are about ¾ inch long and ½ inch in diameter with a small pit inside.
Used in Chinese cooking, black dates are used in savory dishes that may include sticky rice, smoked sausage, lotus leaves or poultry.
The stone must be removed before use. Black dates should not be confused with red dates, which are not smoked and are used in sweet rather than savory preparations.
The black date is the most medicinal compared to red and honey dates. It is included in prescriptions and almost invariably accompanies angelica, completing and enhancing that herb’s actions.
Black dates
