The word “date” comes from the Greek word daktulos, which means “fingers”, possibly named for the shape of the fruit. Most dates are allowed to hang on trees to “cure” and dry out a bit before being harvested so that they last longer once picked. They will still be quite soft but will have a bit more quality. These are the “fresh dates” available at some supermarkets, specialty grocery stores, and farmers’ markets. Fresh dates have a high sugar content, which intensifies as the fruit is dried.
