When buying dates, I try to get them already pitted. I love Medjool Dates but, they are super expensive. These Deglet Noor Dates are great too. 

I purchase them in 12oz bags at Natural Grocer's.

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Note: Make sure each of the Dates are pitted. Even if you buy them pitted, sometimes there is one or two that still has a pit in it.

If you're using them in a recipe and they need to be blended, one pit broken up in the blender can ruin a whole batch.