Looking for pitted dates? And wondering how to make dates soft? This article will cover that very topic, as well as give you some scrumptious meals that you may try making at home that involve dates. When you have finished reading, not only will you know how to properly soften your dates, but you will also be equipped with various recipes that call for their use. To begin, let's investigate the nature of dates, and then go on to the factors behind the decision to adapt them in the first place. It is more difficult for your body to digest dried dates if you consume them without first moistening or rehydrating them. If you do this, you may end up feeling nauseous after eating them. Dates that have not been cooked or softened do not feel very good on the teeth either. Along with these considerations, it is also a good idea to soften your dates before incorporating them into a dish so that the sugars in the dates can be released to their full potential. In addition to this, it makes it much simpler to include them in foods such as smoothies. How to Make Your Dates Softer? You can make your dry, wrinkled dates more pliable by making use of one of the various procedures that are available to you. This section will provide an in-depth discussion of each strategy so that you can determine which approach may work best for you.
- Steaming Water
To quickly and effectively soften your dates, you can do so by placing them in a bowl or saucepan filled with boiling water. This approach is both quick and efficient. People who want to make their dates more appealing often turn to this strategy, which is arguably the most prevalent one. 
After allowing the fruit to soak in some hot water or perhaps boiling water for around ten minutes, you should evaluate whether or not it has become suitably mushy. Before removing the dates from the water, you should keep in mind that it may take some dates, particularly older and tougher varieties, anywhere from half an hour to several hours for them to become pliable again. When your dates have reached the desired consistency, gently remove them from the boiling water, allow them to cool for a while, and then use them in any way you see fit. Dates are a really versatile ingredient.
- Soak Overnight
Simply soaking your dates in water at room temperature for the night will also help soften them, and you can use this method instead of boiling or soaking them. Because of this, they will become mushy and soft, and they will contribute more flavour and sweetness to whatever you are eating, whether it be a meal, a snack, or a smoothie. It is evident that individuals who are in a rush to soften their dates should not use this method, but it is very effective for those who are not under any kind of time constraint and are free to take their time.
- Microwave oven
If you have a microwave at home and are looking for a quick method to soften your dates, you can use it, provided that you do it responsibly. Put the dates on a plate that can go in the microwave, then cook them for about a minute and a half at the highest setting. Check on them at regular intervals of ten seconds to ensure that you do not mistakenly overheat them, which would result in the creation of rubbery and chewy treats. You should also bear in mind that chopping your dates before microwaving them will likely cause them to soften more quickly. 
- Steam
Steaming your dates is the last method you may employ to make them more manageable in your diet. Put some water inside of a saucepan and bring it up to a rolling boil. After that, set your dates inside of a colander or steamer basket, if you happen to have one, and then place that inside of the pot before covering it with a lid. After allowing the steam to operate on your dates to soften them for about five minutes, take them from the hot steam and set them aside. They should now be pliable and ready to be consumed on their own or blended into a smoothie. Dates are used in the following recipes: You may eat dates straight, cut them up and add them to salads, or use them in smoothies and other recipes. Dates are extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. This section will offer you some suggestions as to how you might make use of the softened dates that you now have. Have a look down below for some recipes for date smoothies, date rolls, and dates stuffed with goat cheese and bacon. Smoothie made of bananas and chocolate. Dates have a natural sweetness that can be added to any smoothie, but the addition of chocolate and bananas in this particular smoothie makes it taste even better when dates are included in the recipe. 
The following are the components that you will require to make this smoothie: 3 dates, with the pits removed and the softened.
- 1 banana
- 1 cup milk (or milk alternative)
- 2 teaspoons cacao powder
- 2 teaspoons of buttery peanut spread (or almond butter)
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
After softening the dates, place all of the ingredients listed above into a blender. You can also choose to cut the dates, if you so like. After blending the ingredients for around thirty seconds, transfer the mixture to a tall glass to serve. If you want to make it even sweeter, you can top it with chocolate shavings and whipped cream like a garnish if you want to. In Summary: It is not difficult to soften dates, and the process may be completed in a short amount of time; yet, doing so can have a significant impact on the level of sweetness achieved in a recipe or smoothie. 
There is no reason you should avoid softening your dates before using them, so make sure to utilise this article as a guide to ensure that your dates are able to successfully infuse that sugary flavour you desire.