Zero-waste Dates Recipe ✨

🍯For the date syrup:
• 20–25 dates, pitted
• Water (enough to cover)
• 1/2 tsp cornstarch (optional)

🍫For the chocolate date salami:
• Date pulp from syrup
• 2 tbsp cacao powder or 100 g melted dark chocolate (or both)
• 1/2 cup mixed nuts, chopped
• 1/2–1 cup crushed biscuits
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• Cinnamon or vanilla (optional)
• Coconut flakes (optional, for coating)

☕️For date seed tea:
• Date seeds
• Optional: cinnamon powder, reishi powder, dandelion powder
• Milk and honey (optional)

Steps

🍯Date Syrup:
1. Remove pits from the dates and keep the seeds aside.
2. Place dates in a pot, cover with water, and simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Strain through muslin. Keep both liquid and pulp.
4. Return liquid to the pot and simmer until thick, or add cornstarch to thicken.
5. Let cool and store in a clean jar.

🍫Chocolate Date Salami:
1. Mix the saved date pulp with cacao or melted chocolate.
2. Add nuts, crushed biscuits, coconut oil and spices.
3. Place on cling film, shape into a log, wrap and roll evenly.
4. Freeze for 30 minutes.
5. Roll in coconut flakes if you like.
6. Store in the fridge. Best after 24 hours.

☕️Date Seed Tea:
1. Wash and dry the seeds.
2. Roast at 150–160°C (300–320°F) until fragrant.
3. Grind to a powder.
4. Brew like coffee or tea.
5. Optional: mix with cinnamon, reishi, or dandelion powder. Add milk and honey to serve.

Storage:
• Date syrup: fridge, up to 1 month
• Date salami: fridge 1–2 weeks, or freeze up to 3 months
• Date seed powder: airtight jar, up to 6 mo