How to make Date Syrup

Learning how to make your own date syrup is the perfect way to reduced refined sugar consumption if you enjoy the odd sweet treat. It’s versatile and delectable, better still it’s super simple to make at home.

All it takes is a few ingredients and a high speed blender. With a little extra reduction a date syrup can become a replacement for treacle or molasses, but this sweetener is high in antioxidants and a source of magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. Drizzle on your pancakes, use in baking or for dressings for summer salads.

If you enjoy using homemade sweeteners, you might like to try a Dandelion Honey, it’s light and floral, a perfect vegan honey alternative for sweet and savoury recipes.

Date Syrup

Ingredients

• 1kg dried dates
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 litres boiling water
• 10ml lemon juice

Method

Pit and chop the dates, sprinkle the baking soda over and mix through. Cover with boiling water and set said for 30 minutes to soften.

Transfer to a food processor, or Thermomix and pulse into a puree. Transfer to a pot and bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to stop the puree sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Stir in the lemon juice before removing from the heat. In batches, pass the puree through a sieve with 2 layers of cheese cloth or use a nut bag to separate the liquid from the pulp. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can. Compost the pulp or freeze for adding to smoothies.

Pour the liquid into a pot,  return to the stove and bring to the boil Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced to a thick glossy date syrup. You should have about 2 cups and it may take around 30 -50 minutes. If you take your syrup too far, (too thick) just stir a tablespoon or two of boiling water into the date syrup.

Pour into sterilised bottles or jars. Date Syrup will keep in the fridge for upto a month.