Sponsored by Beleaves

Tu Bishvat, the Jewish New Year for Trees, is a holiday celebrated by planting trees and enjoying fruits. While traditionally enjoyed with dried fruits, nuts, and fresh produce, we’re taking this celebration up a notch with a fun and creative twist: Date Sushi! This easy-to-make treat is not only delicious but also a perfect activity for kids and adults alike to prepare together. Plus, it’s a great way to include dates, which are especially meaningful for Tu Bishvat, as they’re one of the Shivat Haminim (Seven Species of Israel).

And what better way to elevate this holiday than with Beleaves’ new dates? These fresh, sweet, and perfectly chewy Medjool dates, which are bigger, softer, and more flavorful than other date varieties, come in a variety of options: jumbo whole dates, pitted dates, and premium jumbo dates. With their soft texture and natural sweetness, they’re the ideal base for creating your own Date Sushi rolls.

Ready to roll up something special for this holiday? Let’s dive in!

Why Date Sushi?

Dates are a symbol of sweetness, and with their natural caramel-like flavor, they make an ideal base for a sweet, bite-sized treat. By taking a whole Medjool date, flattening it by hand, and filling it with a variety of fun ingredients, you create a “sushi roll” that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or as an after-school treat, this Date Sushi is both festive and flexible, allowing you to get creative with the fillings.

Ingredients:

–Beleaves Medjool dates (choose from jumbo whole, pitted, or premium jumbo)

–Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark, depending on preference)

–Pistachios (shelled and roughly chopped)

–Cookie crumbs (feel free to use any cookie you like)

–Optional toppings: Shredded coconut, dried fruit, or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness

Directions:

1. Flatten the Dates:

Start by carefully removing the pits from your Medjool dates if they aren’t already pitted. You’ll need one date per sushi roll. (Hold each date up to a strong light to check for signs of infestation. If you see any, discard the date and take a new one.)

Using your hands, gently flatten each date into a rectangle or oval shape. The goal is to slightly open up the date so it can hold the fillings. Don’t worry if it’s a little uneven—it will still roll up nicely!

2. Fill with Your Favorite Ingredients:

This is where the fun begins! Take a pinch of your chosen fillings—chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, and cookie crumbs—and sprinkle them in the center of the flattened date. You can mix and match according to your taste, adding shredded coconut or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor. Feel free to get creative with other ingredients, like peanut butter, granola, or even a drizzle of honey for some extra sweetness.

3. Roll It Up:

Once your date is filled, gently roll it up like you would a sushi roll or a burrito. Use your hands to tightly seal the sides so everything stays in place. The date should hold its shape, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect—it will still taste great!

4. Slice and Serve:

Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled-up date into bite-sized pieces, just like sushi. The pieces will look like little date “sushi rolls” filled with a variety of colorful fillings. Arrange them on a plate for a beautiful presentation!

Optional Garnishes:
For a little extra flair, you can sprinkle some extra cookie crumbs, chopped pistachios, or coconut flakes on top of the rolls. A drizzle of honey can also add a touch of sweetness.

Enjoy!

These Date Sushi rolls are perfect for serving at a Tu Bishvat gathering, whether as a fun family project or a sweet snack to share with friends. They’re also a great way to introduce kids to the flavors of Tu Bishvat in a hands-on, playful way. Plus, with Beleaves’ dates being so fresh, sweet, and perfectly chewy, every bite will be a burst of natural flavor that’s sure to impress. They’re also naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with the healthy benefits of dates, pistachios, and other delicious fillings.

Pro Tips:

–Chill the dates: If you want your rolls to hold together even better, refrigerate the filled and rolled dates for about 15 minutes before slicing.

–Make it a party: Set up a date sushi station with various toppings and fillings so everyone can create their own custom rolls!

–Storage: If you have leftovers (though we doubt you will!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days.

This simple yet creative Date Sushi is not only a great way to celebrate Tu Bishvat, but it’s also a treat the whole family can enjoy making together. So gather your Beleaves dates, roll up your sleeves, and let the fun begin!

Photography by Sara Goldstein.