Black goji berries are a precious Chinese medicinal herb that is rich in nutrients and known as the "golden supplement". Wild black goji berries are rare and expensive, and there are increasingly more dyed counterfeit black goji berries on the market. So, how can we identify whether black goji berries are dyed or not?
Methods to Identify Dyed Black Goji Berries
Look
Most black goji berries on the market are dried black goji berries that have been processed through sun drying. They have a dry texture and a dark color. When touched, they will stain the hands and the color will wash off. If the black goji berries are dyed, they will have a dark and shiny color, a moist texture, and will also stain the hands. However, the color is very dark and not easily washed off.
Smell
Black goji berries are natural wild herbs and have a faint fragrance. Dyed black goji berries, on the other hand, have a pungent smell due to the use of chemical dyes. Prolonged exposure to the smell can cause nausea and discomfort.
Soak
Black goji berries contain abundant anthocyanins, so their color will change when soaked in water. They turn purple in acidic water and blue in alkaline water. High-quality black goji berries will release color slowly when soaked, as the release of anthocyanins is a gradual process. However, dyed black goji berries will quickly release color when soaked in water, and the colors can vary, including brown, brownish, and green.
How to Distinguish Fake Black Goji Berries
Black goji berries contain abundant nutrients and have various health benefits, including immune enhancement, anti-aging, and beauty effects. They are precious tonics, and wild black goji berries are even more expensive. Therefore, many businesses use white Chinese wolfberries similar to black goji berries to deceive customers.
Fresh black goji berries have about ten small seeds when crushed, which look like fruit. Fake white Chinese wolfberries, on the other hand, have a single core and lack the bright black-purple color of black goji berries.
It is difficult to distinguish dried black goji berries by appearance alone, but soaking them in water will reveal the truth. High-quality black goji berries will gradually release color as the anthocyanins are released. When broken, there will be about ten small seeds inside. Black goji berries can also change color with the acidity or alkalinity of the water: purple in acidic water and blue in alkaline water. Fake black goji berries will not change color when soaked in water.
The Color of Fake Black Goji Berries Soaked in Water
Many businesses use white Chinese wolfberries similar to black goji berries as a substitute, while others use poor-quality, recycled, or moldy black goji berries for processing. The color of the water when these black goji berries are soaked is usually brown, brownish, or occasionally green. It is recommended to purchase black goji berries from reputable stores to avoid buying fake and inferior products.
Precautions for Drinking Soaked Black Goji Berries
1. Do not consume excessively
Although black goji berries are rich in nutrients and have wide-ranging medicinal effects, they are tonics that can nourish the body. Excessive consumption can lead to discomfort and symptoms of internal heat.
2. Do not consume with meals
Many people drink water soaked with black goji berries as if it were ordinary water and consume it during meals. This is actually incorrect because black goji berries are tonics and taking them during meals may affect the absorption of the medicinal effects. It is best to consume them half an hour after meals.
The Best Ways to Consume Black Goji Berries
Black Goji Berry Loquat Paste
Ingredients:
50g black goji berries, 50g loquat fruit, 50g black sesame, 50g walnut kernels, honey as needed.
Instructions:
1. Wash and chop the loquat fruit and walnut kernels. Wash the black goji berries and black sesame, then soak them in water until fully hydrated. Transfer them to a pot, heat and cook. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 20 minutes over medium heat. Strain the liquid once.
2. Repeat the process three times, combining the strained liquids. Simmer over low heat until it thickens into a paste. Add honey at a ratio of 1:1, bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let it cool. Store in a bottle. Take one tablespoon in the morning and evening, diluted with boiling water. Continue for 3-4 weeks.
Effects: Nourishes yin and moisturizes the lungs, nourishes the liver and kidneys.
Black Goji Berry Chrysanthemum Tea
Ingredients:
5-8g black goji berries, 4 chrysanthemum flowers.
Instructions:
1. Wash the black goji berries and chrysanthemum flowers.
2. Place the chrysanthemum flowers in a cup and pour in boiling water.
3. When the chrysanthemum tea cools down, add the black goji berries.
Effects: Clears heat, brightens the eyes, detoxifies, and nourishes the skin.
