Hei gouqi is a precious medicinal material with the function of nourishing the liver and kidneys. Wild hei gouqi is also becoming more and more valued. So, what is the shelf life of wild hei gouqi? Can you still eat it if it is expired?
Shelf Life of Wild Hei Gouqi
Wild hei gouqi is mainly produced in the Qaidam Basin in Qinghai. The black gouqi sold on the market is mostly beautifully packaged, with specific information such as the producer, production date, and shelf life. It is recommended to purchase wild hei gouqi from reputable stores to avoid being deceived.
Does Wild Hei Gouqi Expire?
Yes, it does.
Medicinal materials also have a shelf life. The shelf life of traditional Chinese medicinal materials is generally 2-3 years and is determined based on phenomena such as mold, insect infestation, oil seepage, and deterioration. Hei gouqi contains a large amount of nutrients such as fat, sugar, and protein. If stored improperly or for too long, it is prone to expiration and deterioration. Therefore, hei gouqi does expire. The specific shelf life can be found on the outer packaging or by observing any changes in the quality of the gouqi.
Can You Eat Hei Gouqi Past Its Shelf Life?
It depends.
Situation where you can eat it:
The black gouqi is black in appearance, with no mold, insect holes, stickiness, or rotten acid odor. If the black gouqi does not have any of the above conditions, it can still be consumed.
Situation where it is not recommended to eat it:
If the black gouqi is past its shelf life and shows obvious changes in quality, such as mold, frost, insect holes, or a sour smell, or if it turns yellow-brown when soaked in water, it is not recommended to continue consuming the expired gouqi.
How to Identify Wild Hei Gouqi
Wild hei gouqi has a dry texture and is oval or kidney-shaped. It has a faint grassy smell. When squeezed, about ten seeds can be found inside the black gouqi. When soaked in water, the color of the black gouqi turns blue or purple, and there will be silk threads in the water. Fake hei gouqi is mostly made with white thorn fruit, and there will be no color change when soaked in water, and there will only be one seed inside.
Taboos for Drinking Soaked Hei Gouqi Water
1. Do not use boiling water to soak.
Hei gouqi contains abundant anthocyanins, which will be destroyed when soaked with boiling water. Therefore, it is not recommended to use boiling water to soak it. Hei gouqi can be soaked with warm or cold water.
2. Do not consume excessively.
Hei gouqi is a nourishing medicinal material with good nourishing effects that can warm the body. Therefore, excessive consumption of hei gouqi should be avoided to prevent symptoms such as nosebleeds and swollen eyes caused by excessive internal heat.
