How should one check dates for worms?
• ANSWER: Imported dates, e.g. from Pakistan, are often highly infested and should be avoided. This is especially true with regard to pressed dates, which are practically impossible to check. However American-grown dates, such as California dates are generally not infested. Nonetheless, when using whole dates (where the pits have not been removed) it is recommended to take three to five dates from each container, slice the dates length wise and look for small worms. The presence of webbings inside the date is an indication of worms. IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO CHECK PITTED DATES.
