With the improvement of people's living standards, health issues have received increasing attention. Among the many health products, goji berries are highly regarded for their rich nutrients and medicinal value. However, some unscrupulous merchants in the market use sulfur fumigation to make goji berries appear brighter and last longer. This practice not only poses a threat to human health but also causes environmental pollution. Therefore, it is crucial to learn how to determine whether goji berries have been subjected to sulfur fumigation. The following are three simple and practical methods to help you choose healthy and safe goji berries.
1. Observe the color
Goji berries have a natural color, and after drying, the color becomes dark red or reddish-brown. If the goji berries you purchased have overly bright colors, appear whitish, or have an unnaturally bright red color, it is likely that they have been subjected to sulfur fumigation. Generally, high-quality goji berries have a darker red or reddish-brown color, wrinkled surface, and plump and neat particles, while inferior goji berries have overly bright colors, smooth surfaces without wrinkles, and less plump particles.
2. Smell the aroma
Normal goji berries have a faint fragrance, while goji berries subjected to sulfur fumigation may have a pungent odor or smell like chemical substances. Therefore, when purchasing goji berries, you can smell them. If there is an unusual odor or a smell of chemical substances, it is better not to buy them.
3. Taste the texture
Normal goji berries have a sweet taste with a hint of bitterness, while goji berries subjected to sulfur fumigation may have a noticeable bitter taste or a spicy flavor. When purchasing goji berries, you can taste their texture. If there is an abnormal bitter taste or a spicy flavor, it is better not to buy them.
In addition to the above three methods, you can also determine whether goji berries have been subjected to sulfur fumigation by observing their shape and the color of the water after soaking. Normally dried goji berries have a small and short shape with pointed protrusions on the top, and the water color after soaking is light yellow or orange. On the other hand, goji berries subjected to sulfur fumigation have a more regular shape without pointed protrusions on the top, and the water color after soaking is red or dark red.
If you find any quality issues or suspect that the goji berries you purchased have been subjected to sulfur fumigation, you should contact the merchant promptly to protect your legitimate rights and ensure your health and safety.
