The fine, white coating on dates is usually not mold, but natural fruit sugars (glucose and fructose) that migrate to the surface as moisture levels drop and crystallize there. This so-called sugar bloom is a natural process that occurs primarily when dates are stored in a cool place or kept for an extended period. It is harmless and does not affect either the taste or the quality.

Here’s how to tell the difference between a sugar coating and mold:

  • Sugar bloom: dry, fine, whitish, odorless, and easy to wipe off.
  • Mold: fluffy or cottony, usually greenish, bluish, or grayish, and often has a musty odor.

A white sugar coating is completely normal and does not indicate a quality defect. However, dates with a cottony coating, colored spots, or a strong odor should not be eaten.