Homemade Date Syrup
When we get dates in our CSA I do two things: 1) freeze a batch for smoothies and 2) make date syrup! Dates are rich in iron, magnesium, potassium, and other trace minerals making this syrup a great sweetener option that is both nutritious and delicious! Yields 1/3 cup of date syrup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted medjool dates
- 2 cups boiled, slightly cooled water
Instructions
- Rinse your dates, remove any pits and place in a medium bowl.
- Pour the boiled, and slightly cooled, water over the dates. Soak for at least 2 hours to overnight.
- Use a masher to mash the dates to extract the liquid from the fruit.
- Fit a mesh strainer over a bowl and line the strainer with cheesecloth. Pour the mashed dates over the cheesecloth and squeeze out the remaining liquid. The liquid will appear thin and water. This is okay. Once strained, pour the mixture into a sauce pan and begin to bring it to a boil.
- Lower to a simmer and simmer date syrup in the sauce pan, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Simmer syrup until it reaches a thick, syrupy consistency. This may take up to about 20 minutes depending on the consistency of stove temperature. Remove from heat to cool before storing in an airtight container.
- This recipe yields 1/3 cup. Store date syrup in the fridge for about a month.