Do you need to wash dates before eating them?

Dates are often perceived as "natural candies" - sweet, nutritious, and seemingly ready to eat right after purchase. However, experts strongly recommend not to forget one important step: dates must be washed before eating.

The fact is that during harvesting, drying, storage, and transportation, the fruits are exposed to dust, sand, and various chemicals. This is especially true for shiny dates - they are often treated with glucose syrup or oil to make them look more appetizing on the shelf.

"Not only dirt but also microbes can remain on the surface of dates. Even if they are packaged, this is not a guarantee of sterility," warns sanitary doctor Alexey Demin.

Before consumption, specialists advise soaking dates for 10 minutes in warm water, then thoroughly rinsing them under running water. In some cases, you can even slightly scald them with boiling water - especially if the dates are intended for children.

Washed dates are not only cleaner but also tastier - as excess sticky syrup and foreign odors are washed away. This simple hygiene measure can make your favorite treat truly beneficial and safe.