Delicious dates are definitely having their day! The nutrient-dense nuggets are being touted as a superfood snack with online searches for soft and sweet Medjools recently hitting an all-time high.¹

This is great news for local farmers as the Coachella Valley is our country’s leading producer of dates. Many are challenged to meet demand as farms and enterprises expand, and industry sales are up 30% from last year.²

So what makes dates so wonderful? They are packed with fiber, antioxidants, six essential B vitamins, and seven essential minerals, including potassium, magnesium and copper. They are a heart-healthy addition to any diet and a low-glycemic, diabetes-friendly snack. Doctors at the recent Plant-based Nutrition Healthcare Conference touted them as the healthiest sugar option with unlimited applications as granulated sugar, syrup, small pieces, paste and purely straight.

Because dates combine natural sugars with fiber, they provide immediate and sustained energy without the rapid spike and crash of refined sugar, says Foodie Physician Sonali Ruder, MD. Thus, date sugars are the perfect substitute for your holiday baking and suitable for children, athletes and busy adults.

Dr. Ruder presented at the California Dates Forum, Farm Tour & Culinary Experience held in October to celebrate National California Date Month. The spectacular event included an al fresco lunch at Aziz Farms in Thermal curated by celebrated Chef Jamie Gwen. We are delighted to share one of her many unique and healthy recipes offered.

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Date Romesco

Cauliflower Steaks

1 head of cauliflower, cleaned of leaves
and stem trimmed
1⁄3 cup good-quality olive oil
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon roasted garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Cut the cauliflower into 1-inch-thick slabs, slicing lengthwise through the core to keep the “steaks” intact. Place the cauliflower steaks in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper and mix to combine. Brush the cauliflower steaks with the seasoned oil on both sides.

Roast at 400°F for 15 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven and carefully flip the steaks over. Roast for another 15 minutes or until tender.

California Date Romesco Sauce

One 16-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained
½ cup roasted almonds
3 California Dates, pitted
¼ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground pepper
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Using your blender, combine all of the ingredients, except for the olive oil. Blend until smooth, then drizzle in the olive oil with the blender running. Adjust the seasoning and serve. Chef’s Tip: Romesco Sauce is best made in advance to allow the flavors to meld.

For additional recipe ideas and pairings with wine, cheeses, chocolate and more, visit www.CaliforniaDates.com or follow them @DatesareGreat.

References: 1) https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=all&geo=US&q=medjool%20dates&hl=en; 2) https://www.inc.com/danielle-wiener-bronner/dates-are-going-viral-farmers-are-leaning-in-heres-why/91241853