Generally, fruit pits should not be eaten, as they contain amygdalin, a compound that converts to toxic cyanide in the stomach. You can then recycle them in the house in the case of apricot kernels or cherry stones, but also plant them in your garden. However, the same is not true for the pit of dates which can give an excellent “coffee” without caffeine. In addition to bringing a very pleasant unique taste and an alternative to caffeine for those who cannot abuse it or who are looking to quit, date stone coffee is a zero waste recipe that helps to lighten your trash. And given the price of this fruit of the date palm fruit, you might as well get your money’s worth by using the whole berry! Here is what you need to know about this unusual use of stones and the preparation of this little-known beverage with multiple benefits.
Are date pits toxic? What are their benefits?
Date pits are not not toxic. There is even a good amount of minerals and an high in soluble and insoluble fiber, very useful for intestinal comfort and the reduction of constipation and cholesterol problems. In short, it is very good for health. However, it is not possible to bite into it. To consume them, especially in the form of coffee, it is therefore necessary to prepare them properly, which is fortunately very simple. We explain all this in the recipe!
In any case, it gives an amazing drink that has many more. It should be noted that its flavor is a little different from classic coffee. However, it is very pleasant in the mouth. Much sweeter and less bitter, it is definitely worth a detour and has a slightly fruity side according to some. And above all, if you are a date lover, you won’t need any extra ingredients of those you already have… So, even if you have date pits on hand, you might as well try to reuse their pit wisely, right? We can say it: this delicious coffee substitute is perfect!
How to make coffee from date pits? Make way for the recipe and recommendations!
1) During your tasting or preparation in the kitchen, set aside your date pits. There is no particular quantity required. However, the more you have, the more coffee you can brew (and enjoy!). You know what you have to do: eat dates! 😉
2) Once you have your cores, take care of clean them well with water. This will remove small skins and flesh residue that could burn in the next step.
3) Indeed, you cannot not consume them without roasting. This makes it possible to develop their surprising aroma as well as their health benefits and above all to make them easily consumable. To do this, we recommend slow cooking in the oven or in the pan. without exceeding 100°C. These temperature issues are important, because cooking too hot risks making the stones unfit for consumption and giving an unpleasant burnt taste to the coffee. So be patient!
4) We know that the nuclei are ready when you can crack the grain with your bare hands and they take on a beautiful dark brown hue. You can then grind everything until you get a fine powder.
5) Finally, all that remains is to infuse everything like a classic coffee. And just like this morning energy drink, the more spoonfuls you steep, the stronger the taste will be. It’s up to you whether you like your date stone coffee more or less full-bodied!
What to do with the date pits?
In the kitchen, the powder of date pits can for example serve as an ingredientespecially when preparing Bsissa.
Also note that it is possible to plant the pits directly to get your own date palm. For this, it will be necessary to clean well, then to germinate your seed in a glass of temperate water and a warm and bright corner (for example towards a sunny window or a radiator). During this process, be sure to change the water every two or three days to limit the formation of algae or bacteria that could rot your core. This step can take about ten to fifteen days. Once germinated with a root of at least one centimeter, all you have to do is plant and wait. Preferably, plant root down on a bed of gravel or clay pebbles to aid drainage. A light soil, for example for cacti and succulents, would also be a plus. These cores being sensitive to water and rotting, it will also be necessary to empty the stagnant water in the dish. And above all, don’t worry if the growth of this heat-loving plant is long: it’s completely normal!
