Image of Manuka Honey & Saffron Infused Date Delight with Pistachio Crumble

by Rebecca Wood July 18, 2025 2 min read

Manuka Honey & Saffron Infused Date Delight with Pistachio Crumble

Manuka Honey is a truly heaven sent superfood, produced by natures busiest workers, the humble honeybee, it has a rich and delicious Manuka flavour, and also contains incredible health benefits. The natural purity and authenticity of this honey, that is exclusive to the native flora and fauna of New Zealand, delivers a potency that supports healing on many levels.

Health and Wellness (Siha wa 'Afiyah):

The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) is graded to ensure that the Medical grade honey is clearly identified and authenticated. A simple teaspoonful of a UMF 20+ Manuka Honey contains powerful antibacterial, antimicrobial, prebiotic and antioxidant properties, which support aspects of health such as - skin and wound healing, immune and digestion support, relief from sore throats and viral illnesses. 

Hospitality and Generosity (Diyafa wa Karam):

Giving the gift of a luxury Manuka Honey or a medical grade Manuka Honey is the ultimate in supporting your friends and family on their health journey. Or perhaps offering a treat for the next time they visit, so that they can enjoy the benefits of this exquisite and treasured health-promoting food. Here we share a  Manuka Honey recipe that is combined with Saffron, which also has many incredible health benefits, including enhancing mood and reducing stress. 

This recipe combines the sweetness of dates, the aromatic allure of divine saffron threads, the nutty crunch of pistachios, and the unique medicinal notes of Manuka Honey. Enjoy!

 

Manuka Honey & Saffron Infused Date Delight with Pistachio Crumble

 

Ingredients:

For the Date Delight - 

  • 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1/4 teaspoon Saffron threads, bloomed in 1 Tablespoon of warm Rosewater (or plain water if Rosewater is not available)
  • 2 Tablespoons high-grade Manuka Honey (UMF 20+ or higher)
  • 1 Tablespoon Orange blossom water (if available) or either orange juice or finely grated orange rind
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cardamom powder

For the Pistachio Crumble - 

  • 1/2 cup shelled Pistachio, roughly chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons of crushed, edible, dried Rose petals (if available)
  • 1 Tablespoon of toasted Sesame seeds

Instructions:

Prepare the Date Delight

  • Soak the pitted Medjool dates in warm water for 10 minutes to soften.
  • In a food processor, combine the soaked dates, saffron-rosewater mixture, orange blossom water (juice or rind), cardamom powder, and half of the Manuka Honey.
  • Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • If the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of warm water, until the right consistency is reached.

Prepare the Pistachio Crumble

  • In a small bowl, combine the chopped pistachios, dried rose petals and toasted sesame seeds. 
  • Mix thoroughly.

Assemble the Dish

  • Spoon the date mixture in to small, elegant serving bowls or glasses.
  • Drizzle the remaining Manuka Honey over the date mixture.
  • Sprinkle the pistachio crumble generously over the top.
  • Garnish with a single saffron thread, or a small, edible rose petal. (Optional)

Serve

  • Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing dessert.

 

We hope you and your friends and family enjoy this luxurious, health filled, dessert treat!