How to Store + Pit Medjool Dates Like a Pro

Medjool dates are a one-of-a-kind fruit. They’re naturally sweet, soft, and full of flavor with a caramel-like richness. Beyond their taste, they’re also packed with nutrients and have a surprisingly long shelf life.

Whether you’re keeping a container in the pantry or stocking up in bulk, this guide breaks down how to store, revive, pit, and even upcycle Medjool dates—so you can get the most out of every box.

Why Medjool Dates Are Unique

Many people assume Medjool dates are a dried fruit, but they’re actually considered a fresh fruit. Their skin helps retain moisture while protecting the fruit from spoilage. With a moisture content lower than most fresh fruits but higher than fully dried ones—they can be sold at room temperature without the need for additives or preservatives.

They boast a much longer shelf life than most produce, meaning fewer trips to the store and less food waste overall. Plus, as a dietitian, I love how Medjool dates are packed with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.

How to Store Medjool Dates in the Pantry, Fridge, and Freezer

Proper storage is key to keeping your Medjool dates plump and delicious for as long as possible. Depending on how quickly you plan to eat them, there are a few options you can choose from:

• Pantry: If you plan to eat your Medjool dates quickly, you can store your dates in their container in a cool, dry place like a pantry. They'll stay fresh for about 3 months at room temperature.
• Refrigerator: Want to extend their life even more? Keep your dates refrigerated in the sealed container they came in. In the fridge, Medjool dates last up to 6 months.
• Freezer: If you tend to stock up on Natural Delights Medjool Dates in bulk, this may be the best option for you. Medjool dates freeze beautifully! Simply freeze them in their container, or to save space, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 1 year. They thaw quickly at room temperature when you're ready to enjoy them.    

Pro tip: Store your Medjool dates away from strong-smelling foods (like onions or garlic), since they can easily absorb odors.

How to Revive Dry Dates

Sometimes even well-stored dates can start to feel a little firmer and dry over time — and that's totally normal! To soften them up:

1. Wrap the dates loosely in a damp paper towel.
2. Microwave for about 5 seconds.
3. Check and repeat in 5-second increments if needed.

They'll come out slightly warm, soft, and refreshed. If you’re blending dates in recipes like a smoothie or baked goods, you can also soak them in boiling water for 10–15 minutes to soften for smooth blending.

What’s Normal (and What’s Not) to See on Dates

Has some time passed and you’re not sure if your dates are still good? Here’s what to look for.

• White Film: A whitish coating on the skin of Medjool dates is completely normal and is simply its natural sugar content crystallizing on the surface. This is safe to eat, and if the look is something you don’t like, simply wipe them with a damp cloth and they’ll look like new!
• Dark or Black Mold Inside: If you split open a date and see a fuzzy, dark mold, this is not normal. Be sure to toss this individual date, but you can hold onto the rest of the pack as long as they look normal inside. If you ever run into this issue, please contact Natural Delights customer service with the lot number. This isn’t common, but it can happen occasionally with fresh produce.

How to Pit Medjool Dates

Natural Delights has both Whole and Pitted dates. If you want to save time, you can buy the pre-pitted versions. However, if you buy Whole Medjool dates, removing the pit is super simple:

1. Place the date on a flat surface and use a paring knife to make a lengthwise slit in each Medjool date, being careful not to cut all the way through.
2. Gently pull the sides apart to expose the small oval-shaped pit.
3. Remove the pit with your fingers or the tip of the knife. (Don’t throw the pits away — see some tips below for ways you can use them.)

After your Medjool dates are pitted, they’re ready for snacking, stuffing, baking, or blending into smoothies.

Ways to Use Medjool Dates

Instead of throwing the pits away, you can upcycle them in a number of useful ways.

• Roast and grind into a coffee alternative: Date seed coffee is naturally caffeine-free and packed with antioxidants. Just roast the pits at 400°F for about 40–45 minutes, then grind in a coffee grinder. From there, you can roast just like you would with regular coffee grounds. This is a good option for those who are caffeine sensitive or want to try the taste.
• DIY Sugar Scrub: You can mix ground date pits with coconut oil and sugar for an all-natural body or lip scrub.
• Compost: If DIY projects aren’t your thing, you can add the pits to your compost bin — your garden will love the extra nutrients!

Medjool dates are a delicious, nutritious fresh fruit that hold up well over time. With just a few simple tips, you can keep them fresh, revive them when needed, and make the most of every part — pit included.

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Mackenzie Burgess, RDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices. Mackenzie focuses on customizable recipes with ingredients "of your choice." She's passionate about improving peoples’ kitchen confidence through easy meals, kitchen hacks, and her virtual Coaching + Cooking program.