Techniques of preserving dates in stock:

How to preserve each type of dates to have more satisfied customers?

In this article we are going to talk about the storing methods for dates in sorting and packing units and also factories which use dates and by-products of dates as the raw material of their final products. They need to store the dates for months in a way that preserve quality, texture, smell and sweetness.

Dates are best stored in cold storage to help retain moisture. They can be stored up to one year in the cold storage. Choosing the best method to store dates mainly depends on the variety of the dates. Generally dates are divided into 3 main categories:

• Dry Dates (Moisture: Max 16 %)
• Semi-Dry Dates (Moisture: 15-19 %)
• Fresh Dates (Moisture: 18-30 %)

Dry Dates:

You don’t have to keep them in a cool place. They can be kept for 6 months to 1 year in room temperature and away from direct sunlight.

It is recommended to fumigate this type every 3 months to avoid any possible pests or insect contamination.

Semi-Dry Dates:

As well as dry dates, this type of dates can also be kept in room temperature for 6 months. But if you want to keep them fresh and retain the moisture for a longer period of time, it is recommended to keep them in cold storage at a temperature of 0 – 5 C.

Fresh Dates:

Fresh dates are best stored in cold storage. But even fresh dates should not be kept at very low temperature. Because when the dates are out, it can affect the color and if not used immediately the appearance and taste can go bad. Fresh dates can be kept in cold storage at a temperature of 0-5 C for 6 months. But if you are intended to keep them for a longer time, it is recommended to keep them at 0 C. Practically at Rutab stage of growth, all types of dates are better to be stored in cold storage. Because they are juicy and heat will change the taste of the dates.

Always remember:

• Dates should not be stored with other products like spices because they can easily absorb the smell of other products.
• It is firmly recommended at the beginning of each season to fumigate the cold storages or warehouses before storing the new crop to avoid any kind of pests and insects contamination.