Dates by ALYA FOODS are Sweet, Healthy and Versatile

Dates are a delectable, sweet and nutritious fruit. They are a product of the date palm and have been cultivated since approximately 6000 B.C. We sampled some dates imported by Alya Foods, a business local to the metropolitan area. And we have a recipe using them for our BWW readers.

Alya Foods specializes in the importation of Deglet Nour dates from Algeria. These are responsibly sourced, organic dates from the Mediterranean region brought directly to consumers in the United States. The company's goal is to find and distribute natural, healthy foods.

Alya Foods works directly at the source with local farmers to ensure that all of their products meet the highest standards of quality. Deglet Nour dates are harvested from oasis palm trees using a refreshing rinse. They meet high standards of quality and adhere to BRC and ISF international standards.

Mokhtar Kenioua, the Manager of Aya Foods commented, "We are proud to work closely with date farmers in Algeria to bring organic, wholesome, nutritious dates to local distributors all over the world. We value quality, and our mission is to uphold high standards in the foods we import."

Alya Deglet Nour dates will retain their flavor and nutritional value for up to a year when refrigerated and even longer if frozen. Dates are totally fat free and a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B-6. They are also packed with carbohydrates, including sucrose, fructose, and glucose, making dates a quick and natural source of energy.

Dates are also very versatile. Because of their natural sweetness, they go great in morning cereal and salads. They also are a great addition to your baked goods and are a wonderful treat on an appetizer platter. We used dates in a delicious quinoa salad.

QUINOA SALAD WITH DATES

Ingredients:

1 tbsp Alya olive oil

1cup uncooked quinoa

2 cups water

1/2tsp of fresh thyme

1/2 tsp salt

8 Alya dates pitted and chopped

Dressing ingredients:

2 tsp fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tsp chopped fresh mint

2 tbsp Alya olive oil

Preparation:

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly and drain. Put the water, salt, thyme, olive oil and quinoa in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn to a low simmer and cook for 15 minutes until the liquid is completely absorbed. Let cool.

Make the dressing by mixing all of the ingredients and add to the quinoa with the dates. Put in individual ramequins and serve upside down along with a green salad

Alya Foods also offers diced dates, date powder, date paste, and date syrup.

For more information about Alya Foods, visit them online at www.alyafoods.com or contact them at info@alyafoods.com.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Alya Foods

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