Tao Jiao, also known as peach gum, has a hard and amber-like crystalline texture. It needs to be soaked before consumption. Can peach gum that has been stored for two years still be eaten? What happens if you eat expired peach gum?
Can Peach Gum That Has Been Stored for Two Years Still Be Eaten?
It depends.
Dried peach gum is processed through drying and has a generally hard and crystalline texture. It comes in various sizes and shapes, resembling water droplets. It is a well-preserved Chinese medicinal herb. Generally, dried peach gum can be stored for 1 to 2 years. If the peach gum stored for two years shows no signs of mold or stickiness, it can still be consumed.
Can Expired Peach Gum Be Eaten?
It depends on whether it has gone bad.
The shelf life of Chinese medicinal herbs, including peach gum, is related to their texture. It should not be generalized, and the specific conditions of the herb should be analyzed. Peach gum sold in the market usually comes with detailed production and expiration dates, which are typically around 2 years. If the peach gum has exceeded its expiration date, you can check for signs of mold, softness, stickiness, etc. If there are no such signs, it can still be consumed.
What Happens If You Eat Expired Peach Gum?
You may experience gastrointestinal discomfort.
Expired peach gum that has not gone bad is not toxic and will not cause any discomfort when consumed. If expired peach gum has become moldy and has a large amount of mold and microorganisms, it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
How to Determine If Peach Gum Has Expired?
Peach gum is an irregular resinous mass with a light yellow or yellowish-brown color. It has a glossy cross-section. Peach gum of good quality is amber-colored, clean, transparent, and free of impurities. Peach gum contains a higher amount of sugar. When expired, it may become sticky and adhere to hands. It may also turn black when oxidized.
What to Do with Expired Peach Gum?
Make it into glue.
Peach gum has good water solubility and appropriate viscosity. Soaking it in clean water will soften it. Peach gum contains nutrients such as protein and vitamins, and it has the effects of beautifying the skin, moisturizing, promoting blood circulation, and relieving diarrhea. It would be a waste to throw away expired peach gum. Instead, you can boil it into a thick paste, let it cool, and use it as glue for stickers, posters, etc.
