Date Syrup

Syrups made from the extracts of boiled fruits, including dates, grapes, and carob, are widely used in the Middle East and North Africa, where refined sugar products are less common. Of these, date molasses—also known as date nectar, date syrup, and date honey—has recently gained favor as an alternative sweetener, making it easier to find than it once was. The thick brown liquid is similar to molasses in color and texture but much sweeter and with a less bitter edge. It can be used in baking as a substitute for granular sweeteners, but you will need to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipe to compensate.