Question: I cannot find “Veggie Crunchers” at my Costco. Is there anywhere else I can buy these?

Answer: Costco is the only store chain carrying this item at this time. The product is new and selling faster than the current production can keep up. Due to the very labor intense method of slow vacuum cooking and the immense popularity of this product, it will not be until late spring of 2010 before we can keep a steady supply at Costco. They are continuing with the item although there will be periods of time when the product will sell out. We are replenishing the stores as fast as we can secure new product. We appreciate your patience during our short gaps at the stores.

Question: Is the dextrin used in Veggie Crunchers gluten free?

Answer: Yes, we use tapioca dextrin.

Question: Can we buy your products directly from Amport Foods?

Answer: We cannot sell direct at this time. We hope to offer some of our more popular items in larger units sometime in 2010. You may wish to check back then for updated information.

Question: Can you tell me the “country of origin” for your products?

Answer: Although it can be confusing with the name; AMERICAN IMPORTING CO., it should not be assumed that all the products we carry are imported. That is not the case as most of our products are from the U.S. Those that are not, and are imported, will be stated (as per U.S. law) with the country of origin on the back of the package. Generally located with or next to, the ingredient label.

Question: Why can’t I find all of your products on your website?

Answer: We have many hundreds of items. Some are just seasonal or promotional “in and out” items. We list our basic line of products on this site and will be happy to answer questions about products not found here. Please feel free to inquire.

Question: What is the proper way to store Amport dates?

Answer: Imported dates do not need refrigeration. Storage in an air tight container will preserve their moisture content better. Should your dates dry out or become "sugary") (a natural occurence of sugar separation) a light mist of water and 30 seconds intervals in a microwave should return your dates to there original soft and smooth texture.

Question: Are Amport dates safe for diabetics?

Answer: Dates can be used as one of your normal fruit intakes. People in sensitive cases should consult their Dietician/Doctor for proper amounts.

Question: My recipe calls for 1 cup of Amport dates. How many dates does that equate to?

Answer: One 8-ounce package of Amport dates equals one cup.

Question: Do I have to hydrate or modify Amport Foods cranberries, cherries, or blueberries before baking?

Answer: All these fruits are in their final form and can be added to most baking recipes. Either in place of raisins or as you would use a raisin as long as it makes sense in the finished bake good.

Question: My recipe calls for 1 cup of sour milk. How do I get sour milk?

Answer: We suggest you mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar with one cup of milk.

Question: I have many Amport date recipes for bars, breads and cookies. Do you have any other suggestions?

Answer: We have had customers tell us they have enjoyed Amport dates in the following ways:

Question: My dates are hard and dry. What can I do to soften them?

Answer: Place the dates in a microwave safe bowl and spray or sprinkle them with about two tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl and microwave at 30 second intervals until they are soft. BE CAREFUL! If you microwave them too long, they will burn or caramelize.

Question: Where is the expiration date on the box?

Answer: The expiration date is not printed on the box, but embossed or pushed into the cardboard. The expiration date is on the flap end of the box that does not have the recycled symbol. The expiration date looks like 05 31 03, and this means the date expires on May 31st, 2003.

Question: My pitted dates have a white moldy look to them. What is it?

Answer: It's actually sugar! Dates contain a high level of sugar, and sometimes it crystalizes on the surface of the date. This is called "sugaring." To push the sugar back into the date, just use the same procedure for rehydrating dry and hard dates.

Question: Why do you add sugar to chopped dates?

Answer: Once cut/diced, dates will stick together and form a large clump in the package unless coated. We add a minimal amount of fine grain sugar to keep the pieces separated or free flowing

Question: Why do you purchase dates from Pakistan?

Answer: Pakistan offers a unique variety of dates favored in baking and cereal use. Different from California dates, this special variety offers a longer shelf life and has a delightfully sweet taste when baked.