Dates

[Viola 1]

Okay, dates are one of my favourite foods, however I keep having reactions to them. Blisters, bloating etc.

I also notice that they don't show up in the newest Safeway gluten free list. Does anyone know how they are pitted?

I was wondering if they use something to keep the dates from sticking on the pitting machine. Dates themselves would be naturally gluten free.

Thanks

[jerseyangel]

I don't know, Shirley. I also love dates, but have reacted to Sunsweet brand.

When I emailed them, I got an odd answer--all about their raisins. When I re-emailed them, I got the exact same message. So, I gave up!

I haven't tried any other brands--I'm really not sure if it was gluten (possibly in processing), or in my case, another intolerance.

They are sticky little things--I wouldn't be surprised if they might use some sort of flour or starch to either pit them, or to move them along the belts.

[cchhrriiss]

I read that some companies use flour to keep dates from sitcking. Also, dates and raisins can carry molds and yeast, so maybe one of those are the culprits.

[Viola 1]

I read that some companies use flour to keep dates from sitcking. Also, dates and raisins can carry molds and yeast, so maybe one of those are the culprits.

I agree, anything that sticky could well carry molds, but you think over the years I keep trying, I would get a batch without any molds or yeast.

It really is frustrating when you try and get answers sometimes.

[Viola 1]

Okay, I googled it, and no where can I find any use of starch, or flour of any kind. So, unless it used in the packing, they should be gluten free.

Now, how do I find out if starch is used in the packing

[Rusla]

Gosh Shirley, I thought you were at first going to talk about having a problem with a date. I have had problems with dates but usually they were not edible and had two legs.

[tarnalberry]

for that matter, you can buy unpitted dates, and manually pit them (pretty easy). I don't think there's any flour in the pitting process (though I've never seen chopped/diced dates or date pieces without oat flour), or you'd be able to see it on the dates...

[Felidae]

I have the Sun Date brand in my pantry. The package doesn't list anything helpful. I hope you can find out why they are bothering you.

[Viola 1]

Gosh Shirley, I thought you were at first going to talk about having a problem with a date. I have had problems with dates but usually they were not edible and had two legs.

Rusla, it's been over 40 years since I've had a date with a two legged one. And I'm only 39 years old .... Now if you'll believe that one, I have this ocean front property in the kootenays for sale.

[Viola 1]

for that matter, you can buy unpitted dates, and manually pit them (pretty easy). I don't think there's any flour in the pitting process (though I've never seen chopped/diced dates or date pieces without oat flour), or you'd be able to see it on the dates...

It is strange, because I've eaten whole dates without a problem, the trouble seems to come if I use those I pound blocks wrapped in plastic. You know the ones you can cut up fine and throw in the pot to make a nice date paste.

I think I will try to buy some whole dates and work with that. Either that or substitute mincemeat in the recipe, I'll bet that would be good too.

[andreagrant]

How can I tell if dates have flour dusting? I just bought these because they looked, well, shiny and almost moist, so I figured they couldn't have been dusted. The white in the picture is from the flash reflecting off the package. Is it OK to go by appearance?

Thanks!

Andrea