The Surprising Truth About Washing Dates Before Eating Them

It’s normal to wash fruits — but dates might be the exception.

Ariha Medjoul Dates are harvested only after they are fully ripened and naturally dried on the tree. During the maturation process, the dates are wrapped in protective nets to prevent contact with insects or other pests.

In the production process, the dates undergo fumigation to remove debris, followed by natural air-drying. Sorting is carried out both by machine and manually, with workers wearing gloves for hygiene. The packaging process is also done hygienically. Watch this video to learn more.

Dont Wash Dates, Just Wipe

Because of this, Ariha Dates do not need to be washed before consumption. If there is any visible dirt or residue, simply wipe it off with a dry cloth or tissue.

Drying is a natural preservation method. Dry dates (tamar) contain high sugar concentrations, which prevent microbial growth. Washing with water can introduce moisture and lead to contamination.

Soaking or steaming dates can significantly affect their quality. When dates are soaked in water or exposed to steam, they absorb moisture, which causes them to become watery, overly soft, or even soggy (penyek in Malay). This excess moisture breaks down the natural firmness of the date, altering its original chewy texture and rich, caramel-like taste.

In addition to the texture change, soaking can dilute the natural sugars and affect the depth of flavor that dates are known for. Steaming, on the other hand, may cause the skin to loosen or peel, and it can lead to an overly mushy consistency—not ideal for those who enjoy the natural bite of dry dates like Tamr.

Unless a recipe specifically calls for soaking (e.g. in smoothies or desserts), it’s best to enjoy dates as they are — fresh, firm, and full of natural goodness.

Some people prefer to rinse dates before serving, and that’s fine — but it should only be done right before serving and the dates should be dried immediately afterward. Only wash the portion you intend to consume, as moisture can spoil the dates if they’re not eaten right away.

Now you know! 😊