Rancho Meladuco Organic Medjool Dates: 2 lb. Loose

WOW. I see mixed reviews. I can only comment about what I ordered (arrived 4/23/24, and tried right away). I was concerned when I opened the box and saw loose medjool dates in the box. Just a cardboard flip top box with medjool dates inside. They sit on a piece of parchment, but not really wrapped. I expected these to be dry, but I was so very wrong on that impression. These are SO MOIST that they melt in my mouth. They are the freshest I have ever had. I have had a lot of medjool dates from various brands bought at various places for many many years. I never encountered one that was CREAMY. I'm not sure how I feel about that, haha. I like medjool dates for their slight chew. I ALWAYS buy medjool dates with their pit to help ensure moistness. I like to open the date, take out the pit, then replace it with a Brazil nut (about same size as the pit, maybe little larger) or other nut. Then close it up and eat it as is. Takes on a candy bar like taste and texture. Dip in some chocolate? omg.. The extra moist, extra soft, extra creaminess of these dates might throw me off in how I want to use it. It doesn't give me the "mouth feel" that I prefer. I may have to let these age, haha!! But I cant deny that these are very tasty, very fresh tasting, and would work so well in smoothies, desserts, oat meal etc where the extra smooth texture is desired. Maybe making energy balls or snack balls. Would be perfect for that. If preferring more chew, then let these age a bit.

I normally got their dates in the smaller containers, so I was happy to find a value box. I found the smaller cartons to be better tasting, but the box is much better value. Most other brands I have tried are delivered very sticky. These are nice and dry and easy to handle without making a mess of your hands. They are also the best tasting. None were mushy. They were very firm and chewy. As other reviewers have mentioned, they are shipped in a simple box with a wax paper liner. It's not sealed in any way. This may contribute to them being firmer and possibly more dried out, but I like it that way so I don't count that against the review.

I am a Date and Goodie Foodie. I've tried many brands, but Rancho Meladuco Organic Medjool Dates are by far, the most delicious, succulent, chubby dates that have ever landed on my lips. They are better than candy! So sweet and satisfying. I eat them in between meals, use them in cookies, muffins, oatmeal, biscuits, etc. I also grind them up and use them as a coffee substitute. Delicious! Without reservation, I choose these dates!

I just received these dayes yesterday! OH MY GOODNESS! They are so delicious I can't stop eating them! Sweet, soft, moist, clean dates!!! Like candy! I will definitely be reordering these. Thank you!

Best dates ever! Chewy, moist and tastes so flavorful! Great for recipes or just snacking! When craving something sweet 1-2 will do the trick!

I use to buy these jumbo dates and now the size of the dates is half and the quality is no more the same. The dates at Costco are bigger in size. Complete waste of money. Absolutely will not buy it again. Value for money is minus -10. Poor quality and very very expensive.

I've bought these dates before at specialty food shops and they're delicious. But the ones that I bought through Amazon were dried out and not edible. Yech. Follow up: I received a nice note from the company about a month after I posted my review with an apology and offer to refund. They were trying to determine how the product dried out the distribution process. They seem to be sincerely concerned about maintaining their quality and I appreciated that.

I was nervous about ordering because of peoples experiences with bugs but I feel like this is unfortunately a common problem with dates even from the most reputable names. These are by far my favorite dates though and I’ve never had an issue. They are moist and delicious every time I’ve had them!