When the spring breeze warms up, thousands of lights usher in China's grandest festival - the Spring Festival, and there will always be all kinds of dried fruits on our table. These dried fruits are not only a delicacy for the festival, but also carry a strong cultural tradition and the warmth of the family. From walnuts and almonds to raisins and pistachios, each dried fruit has its own unique flavor and meaning, and has become an important part of family reunions and friendship sharing during the Spring Festival.
However, not all dried fruits are worth picking. Some of the dried fruits are not suitable for consumption or even pose a health threat due to improper processing methods, improper storage conditions or low quality. Even if given away in the generous sharing of the festival, these dried fruits may not be ideal for us.
Therefore, knowing how to choose dried fruits has become a topic that cannot be ignored. Factors such as freshness, processing methods, and preservation conditions are all important criteria that we must carefully consider when choosing dried fruits. It's not just about the enjoyment of taste, it's also about the health of your family.
During the Chinese New Year, although dried fruits are an indispensable snack, there are some types of dried fruits that we should avoid. The first thing to mention is dyed red dates. These dates attract attention for their bright and appealing appearance, but they are often artificially dyed, which can not only mask the freshness of the dates, but also introduce harmful chemicals. Long-term consumption of such dates may cause effects on the digestive system and even overall health. As an alternative, we can choose ordinary red dates that are naturally dried and have no additives, which not only have higher nutritional value, but also have a purer flavor.
Next up is industrial preserves. Many candied fruits on the market add a lot of sugar and preservatives in order to increase the taste and extend the shelf life. These additives not only reduce the nutritional value of preserved fruits, but may also cause adverse health effects, especially for people who need to control their sugar intake. Choosing natural dried fruits, such as dried apricots or dried berries, which are sugar-free or low-sugar, can be a healthier choice.
The third type to avoid is overly processed nuts. To enhance the taste, some nut products are over-roasted or added with a lot of salt, sugar and artificial flavors. Such treatment not only masks the taste of the nuts themselves, but may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. In contrast, choosing plain or lightly roasted nuts, such as plain almonds or walnuts, not only allows you to enjoy the natural flavor of the nuts, but also benefits your health.
Finally, high-sulphur dried fruits are also something we should avoid. Some dried fruits are fumigated with a high concentration of sulfur in order to maintain their color and extend their shelf life. This treatment can be irritating to the respiratory system and stomach, especially in people with respiratory conditions. Choosing sulfur-free or low-sulfur dried fruits, such as sulfur-free dried apricots or apple slices, is not only safer, but also better preserves the original flavor of the fruit.
During the Chinese New Year, choosing high-quality dried fruits is just as important to ensure health as it is to enjoy the deliciousness. Here are some practical tips and advice to help you identify and choose high-quality dried fruit.
1. Read the label carefully
High-quality dried fruits usually have detailed information on the packaging. Read the product label carefully, paying attention to the origin of the dried fruit, the processing method, the ingredient list and the shelf life. The ingredient list of high-quality dried fruits should be short, mainly contain the fruit itself, and avoid containing large amounts of additives such as artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. In addition, it is important to know where dried fruit comes from, as some regions produce better dried fruit due to their specific climate and soil conditions.
2. Check the appearance of dried fruits
High-quality dried fruits usually have a natural appearance and are not overly bright in color. For example, naturally dried dates should be dark brown rather than bright red, and dried apricots treated without sulfur should be darker in color and not bright orange-yellow. In addition, dried fruits should be free of mold, moisture, or other signs of abnormality.
3. Smell it
Fresh and high-quality dried fruits should have their natural aroma. If the dried fruit gives off a pungent chemical or musty smell, it could be a sign of improper chemical handling or storage. For example, dried fruits that have been fumigated with excessive sulfur will have a strong pungent odor.
In such a moment of joy and reunion as the Spring Festival, dried fruits, as a traditional snack, undoubtedly add a lot of fun to our festival. However, as we've discussed, not all dried fruits are worth choosing. Avoiding dyed dates, industrial preserves, over-processed nuts, and high-sulfur dried fruits is not only good for our health, but also good for our budget.
Chinese New Year is a time of celebration, sharing and gratitude, and our food choices should reflect these values. By avoiding dried fruits that can have a negative impact on health and the economy, we will not only be able to enjoy a more delicious and healthy holiday meal, but we will also be able to show care for our own health and that of our families.