ALWAYS REMEMBER: LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING:
Figs and medjool dates may look similar, but they are as different as apples and oranges. Well, maybe not that different, but still pretty different. Figs are soft, sweet and juicy fruits that grow on trees. They have a thin skin and tiny seeds inside. Medjool dates are also soft, sweet and juicy fruits that grow on palm trees. They have a thicker skin and a large pit inside. But that's where the similarities end.
TEXTURE & TASTE
There is a distinct difference in flavor and texture. Figs are soft, with a slightly crunchy interior that contains tiny edible seeds. They have a mild and delicate taste that is reminiscent of honey and berries.
Medjool dates are chewy and sticky, with a smooth and fleshy interior that contains a single large pit. The pit is obviously removed and can be replaced by nuts, seeds, and literally anything crisp if you desire that crunch. They have a rich caramel flavor and a chewy texture that practically melts in your mouth.
You can eat them raw, cooked, dried or soaked. You can use them to sweeten smoothies, oatmeal, cakes and cookies. You can stuff them with nuts, cheese or chocolate. You can even make date syrup or date sugar from them.
They not only can be paired with a whole bunch of flavors, but they also have a unique talent of taking a bland, dry type of food and making it soar.
Figs are bland and mushy in comparison.
In fact, some would say that medjool dates are like the decadent dessert of figs. I say, they would be 100% right.
What are their nutritional differences?
- Dates and figs are similar in their nutritional makeup. They have similar carb and calorie contents and are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, and magnesium. Both will help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and inflammation, and prevent constipation.
So, if you're a picky eater, or a frightened taster, I recommend you try the dates. Trust me, you won't regret it.