What is dry dates, dried dates, kharek?

Dry dates are oval-cylindrical, 2.5-5 cm long, and 1.5-2.5 cm diameter. When dates are unripe, they come bright red to bright yellow in color, depending on the type of dates. Dates contain a single seed about 2-2.5 cm long and 5-7 mm thick.

Kharek

Deseeded and chopped dried dates

To deseed the dates slice it vertically using a sharp knife and remove the seed using a spoon or the pointed portion of the knife. Chop the same into large or small piece as required.

Soaked dried dates

Soaking will give best results as the dates are dried. Keep the dried dates in warm water for 15 mins. Drain them as they become soft. Dry the same in shelter. Further, enjoy on its own or can be used to make sauces, dessert, puree etc.

Good dry dates are light brown and shiny, do not stick to one another and are not infested with mites.

Culinary Uses of dry dates, dried dates, kharek in Indian Cooking

Indian desserts using dry dates |

1. gond ke ladoo recipe | dinkache ladoo | Rajashthani gaund ke laddu | with 42 amazing images. Gond is an edible gum, extracted from the bark of a tree. Pale, brownish yellow coloured crystals of gaund are easily available in shops. You first need to deep-fry the crystals till they fluff up and then powder them before use in recipes. Gaund is a heat-giving food that is combined with jaggery and heartily devoured in Rajasthan during the winter months in the form of Rajashthani gaund ke laddu.

2. Kharek ka Halwa is like nothing you've ever tasted before! The combination of dry dates with full-fat milk gives this halwa a rich and intense texture, while an unusual combination of spices gives it a fabulous aroma and flavour. 

Dry dates are eaten out-of-hand, or may be pitted and stuffed with fillings such as almonds, walnuts, candied orange and lemon peel, marzipan or cream cheese. 

Dates can also be chopped and used in a range of sweet and savoury dishes, puddings, bread, cakes and other dessert items. 

Dates are also processed into cubes, paste, spread, date syrup or "honey" called "dibs", powder (date sugar), vinegar or alcohol.
· Recent innovations include chocolate-covered dates and products such as sparkling date juice, used in some Islamic countries as a non-alcoholic version of champagne, for special occasions and religious times such as Ramadan. 

Beside that, dates are easy to carry and no cooking is needed to prepare them for eating because dates are often eaten out-of-hand.
· Dates can also be used for cooking. They can be chopped and used in a range of sweet such as cakes and other dessert dishes and other savoury dishes.

How to store dry dates, dried dates, dried dates, kharek

Dried dates should be firm, but not hard. Dried dates, on the other hand, keep for a long time, if stored in a cool, dry place. Most often, dried dates are packed in bags or boxes 

Health benefits of dry dates, dried dates, kharek

Date is a good source of carbohydrate and fiber along with some quantities of calcium and iron. The fibre in them can help in bowel movements and thus improving gut health, while calcium can assist in bone strengthening. Dates do not have significant amounts of fat, cholesterol, protein or sodium.