Date Varieties For Sticky Toffee Pudding

Our answer

Nigella's Sticky Toffee Pudding (from AT MY TABLE) uses soft dried dates. These usually come from a packet and are often sold already pitted. Common varieties include Delget Noor, but most varieties should be fine. Dates sold in packets or resealable bags are only partially dried and can be eaten straight from the packet. Unless they are very dry and chewy, they are suitable for the sticky toffee pudding, as they are chopped and will soften more when they soak in the hot water and bicarbonate of soda (baking soda).

For the "other kind", we assume this is referring to Medjool dates, which are large, plump, soft dates and are considered by some to be the ultimate variety of date. Medjool dates are more expensive and, despite their slightly wrinkled appearance, they are not normally dried but are fresh. So they are often found in the fruit and vegetable section of supermarkets and will not usually have the same shelf life as partially dried dates. They possibly could be used for the Sticky Toffee Pudding, but are probably better enjoyed just as they are.