Are dates still good if they sat in a sealed bag in the sun?

I had some groceries delivered and the dates were packaged in sealed plastic bags -- they got pretty hot sitting in the sun, so it was kinda sweating inside the bag. Are they still good?

food-safety date-fruit

Best Answer

If these are dried dates you have no problem. Dried dates are often dried in the sun so having more sun on them isn't likely to be a problem. A bit of condensation isn't an issue, just air them out and put them in a cool, dry place.

If your dates are fresh they would need refrigeration as they aren't dried as much as fully dried dates, and it is harder to advise. Usually I would say throw them away but dates are pretty resilient so I would say to try a small bit of one and see if they still are good.

Your dates are probably dried by the way, most are. If they were fresh it would say on the store's website.

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How do you know if dates are bad?

Smell is a clear indicator that will alert you to spoiled dates. These amber-colored fruits don't have a strong smell, but you'll likely notice a delicate and mild fragrance. If you detect a strong, off-putting, or rotten odor, take this as a sign that your dates have gone bad and it's time to toss them.

Do dates have to be refrigerated?

Answer. Dates should be kept in an air-tight container and can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated up to 6 months, and frozen for up to 1 year. If purchasing dates in bulk meets your personal needs, you may opt to refrigerate or freeze any excess dates.

What do dates look like before they are dried?

Before they're dried, dates are typically plump, shiny, ovoid fruits that grow in bunches from date trees. They can be either dark purple or bright red and contain a large central pit with pointed ends. This is usually removed before the fruit is dried, serving two purposes.

How are dates preserved?

Dates are best stored in the refrigerator in an air tight container to help them retain moisture. They can be stored up to 6 months in the refrigerator, but may lose moisture the longer they sit. Large quantities of dates can also be frozen for up to one year.

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