BARD VALLEY, CA– Spring flowers, colored eggs and unleavened bread aren't the only symbols of Easter and Passover.
Dates have also become synonymous with the spring holidays, according to The Bard Valley Medjool Date Growers Association (BVMDGA), the group responsible for Bard Valley Natural Delights™, the top-selling Medjool date brand in the U.S. The dozen or so BVMDGA growers predict that up to 30 percent of all dates consumed this year will be eaten in conjunction with the April religious holidays.
To accommodate increased demand for the luscious, caramel-like fruit for holiday snacking, recipes and entertaining, the group is releasing five naturally healthy new recipes ideal for the spring holidays and the advent of summer.
Those new recipes are:
1. Radicchio Salad with Citrus and Medjool Dates
2. Quinoa with Chickpeas and Medjool Dates
3. Lean Beef Burgers with Medjool Date Jam
4. Vanilla Coffee and Date Protein Shake
5. Medjool Power Balls
"While Americans typically lag behind their counterparts in Europe and the Middle East in their appreciation of Medjools and other dates, we are definitely seeing resurgence in U.S. demand, especially during the spring holidays," said Ed O'Malley, president of Datepac, which in collaboration with the BVMDGA provides 70 percent of the U.S. Medjool date crop.
Long regarded as the "Fruit of Kings," Medjool dates are widely considered the most premium, best-tasting dates in the world.
According to O'Malley, Medjools are a good source of fiber and contain slightly less antioxidants than pomegranate juice. Naturally sweet, they contain no added sugar, are low glycemic for sustained energy and offer important vitamins and minerals, including Potassium, Copper, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Niacin, Calcium, Iron and Vitamin K.
For information and high-res art on Bard Valley Medjool Dates, including recipes, serving suggestions and nutritional information, go to www.naturaldelights.com.
Radicchio Salad with Citrus and Medjool Dates
Created by Natural Delights Medjool Dates
Serves 4
Ingredients
•1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
•1/4 cup (50 mL) orange juice
•1/2 cup (125 mL) olive oil
•2 tbsp (30 mL) chives, chopped
•1 head radicchio
•1 orange, segmented
•1 pink grapefruit, segmented
•8 Natural Delights™ Medjool Dates
•1/4 cup (50 mL) pistachios, chopped
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard and the orange juice. Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the mixture to form the vinaigrette. Stir in the chives.
Tear the radicchio leaves and arrange onto a plate to form a bowl by over lapping the leaves. Slice some of the radicchio finely and place into the lettuce "bowl." Fan out the segments of orange and grapefruit followed by the chopped Medjool dates.
Drizzle the vinaigrette over top followed by the chopped pistachios. Serve immediately.
About Bard Valley Natural Delights™ Medjool Dates
Known as the "Fruit of the Kings," caramel-like Natural Delights Medjool Dates are considered the best-tasting, most luscious dates in the world. In addition to being a good source of fiber, they contain no added sugar, are high in antioxidants, and offer important vitamins and minerals including Potassium, Copper, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Niacin, Calcium, Iron and Vitamin K. The Bard Valley Medjool Date Growers Association (BVMDGA), a consortium of family growers in the southwest, is responsible for over 70 percent of the Medjool dates grown in the United States. Thanks to their efforts, Natural Delights is the top Medjool date brand in the country. For more information, visit www.naturaldelights.com.
Source: Bard Valley Natural Delights(TM) Medjool Dates
