Date syrup is a sweetener made from the juice of dates. It is a thick, dark liquid with a rich, caramel-like flavor. It is used in cooking as a natural sweetener in a variety of dishes, including desserts, baked goods, and savory dishes. It is also used as a topping or drizzle for pancakes, waffles, and oatmeal. In Middle Eastern cuisine it is commonly used in traditional dishes such as baklava, falafel, and is also drizzled over labneh. In restaurants, it may be used as a natural sweetener in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces, and as a garnish for desserts. It can also be used as a natural sweetener in hot and cold beverages like coffee and tea.

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Why is Date Syrup becoming popular in the U.S.

Date syrup is becoming a popular alternative sweetener in the United States for its natural and healthy properties. It's high in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, and has a low glycemic index, making it perfect for those watching their blood sugar levels. Its versatility in cooking and baking, as well as its use in coffee and tea, make it a go-to sweetener. The growing popularity of Middle Eastern cuisine is also introducing more people to the unique taste and versatility of date syrup. With more companies producing and selling date syrup in the US, it's now more easily accessible to purchase and use.

How to make Date Syrup?

Here is a simple recipe to make at home (recipe created by A.I.)Ingredients:1 pound of Medjool dates, pitted3 cups of water1 tsp of lemon juice (optional)Instructions:Soak the dates in 3 cups of water for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight.Drain the water and reserve it.Add the soaked dates to a blender and blend until smooth.Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan and add 2 cups of the reserved water.Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.Add lemon juice, if using, and stir.Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids.The date syrup is now ready to use. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.Note: the ratio of dates to water can be adjusted depending on the desired consistency, usually 1:2 or 1:3. Also, the syrup can be flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, or other spices to taste.

BBQ Sauce recipe featuring Date Syrup

Ingredients:1 cup ketchup1/2 cup date syrup1/4 cup apple cider vinegar2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce2 tbsp Dijon mustard2 cloves of garlic, minced1 tsp smoked paprika1 tsp onion powder1/2 tsp black pepper1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)Instructions:In a medium saucepan, add the ketchup, date syrup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.The BBQ sauce is now ready to use. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.This BBQ sauce can be used as a marinade for meats, fish, and vegetables, or as a dip for chicken wings, ribs, and other BBQ favorites. It's sweet,