How do you feel about dates (the sweet, fruity kind)? I once dropped one on the kitchen floor, failed to notice and then caught sight of it later in the evening out of the corner of my eye. I hit it hard with a flip-flop, while letting out some kind of tribal yell. Not because I don’t like dates, but because I thought it was a cockroach.

Let’s face it, dates are not the prettiest things! They are dark brown, shiny and roach-sized. I am not beginning this date-pitch well, am I?

If you can get past the aesthetics, dates are so delicious, especially Medjool dates which are more soft and have an intense caramel flavour compared to their Californian counterparts.

Although they are naturally sweet (so we have them in moderation) they are surprisingly nutritious - packed full of fibre and antioxidants too.

As well as containing a particular antioxidant that is helpful for preventing Alzheimer’s, laboratory studies have discovered that nutrients in dates are helpful for lowering inflammatory markers associated with Alzheimers too.

Further, they contain phosphorous, calcium and magnesium – all good for bone health! So, despite the sweetness, we can feel good about adding them to our diets.

More great news - dates keep for ever in the fridge so they won’t spoil if you don’t use them right away.

They can easily be added to Moroccan dishes and salads but my favourite way to eat them is stuffed with nut butter and smothered in chocolate!

In this recipe, you remove the pit from the date, but replace it with almond (or cashew butter).

This injects a little protein to provide you with more sustained energy. I’ve chosen almond or cashew butter as the fats are healthier than those in peanut butter.

However, if you want to use peanut butter, just make sure you find one that’s free from hydrogenated oils (as these block the uptake of good fats in the body, as well as contributing to inflammation.)

Note that if you remove the pit from the date and see any black dust, then discard it.

Occasionally dates develop black mould (yikes) which you shouldn’t eat. For this reason, I actually like to wash all dates before using them (inside and outside) and never bite into one without cutting it open first. Don’t let that put you off though, it doesn’t happen often!

These are so good stored in the fridge and enjoyed as a naturally sweet treat whenever you need a pick me up. And they are really easy to make. Have fun!

Medjool dates wrapped in dark chocolate & sea salt

Ingredients: (makes 12)

12 Medjool dates

6-12 tsps almond or cashew butter

150g organic dark chocolate

Sea salt (optional)

Method:

1, Slice your dates open but not in half completely. Remove the pits. Wash them inside and out, drying thoroughly.

2, Pop half to one teaspoon of nut butter into the middle of each date and pinch them together to close. Place on a baking sheet (lined with waxed paper) and freeze for an hour.

3, Meanwhile melt the chocolate in a glass or ceramic bowl in the microwave on ten-second bursts, until melted.

4, Remove the dates from the freezer, dip each one in dark chocolate (messy but fun) and place back on the waxed paper.

5, Sprinkle each one with sea salt (optional).

6, You can set these in the fridge or freeze them if you are in a hurry! Suggest you eat them from the fridge rather than the freezer though as otherwise they will be too hard.

7, Enjoy one at a time!

• The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Burns BA Hons, Dip ION, BNTA is a fully qualified Nutritional Therapist trained by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in the UK She works at Waterfront Wellness in Bermuda. Join Catherine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nutrifitandnaturalnutritionbermuda or instagram @naturalbda