What kind of red dates are good to buy

It is recommended to choose high-quality red dates with plump flesh, undamaged skin, and natural reddish color. High quality red dates are mainly characterized by intact fruit shape, tight texture, sweet and fragrant aroma, no insect infestation or mold, and clear origin.

1. Complete fruit shape

Mature red dates should be oval or round in shape, with no obvious indentations at both ends. High quality red dates have fine and even wrinkles on their surface, without mechanical damage or deformities. If the jujube fruit is found to be flattened, cracked or dried, it may be stored for too long or damaged during transportation, and the nutritional components of such jujubes are easily lost.

2. Tight texture

Fresh red dates are elastic when squeezed, and the flesh is thick and not hollow. Lightly pressing the jujube body can quickly rebound, indicating that the moisture content is moderate. If it is as hard as stone, it may be excessively dry, and if it is too soft, it may have fermented and deteriorated. When purchasing, take a small amount of red dates and hold them in your palm. High quality dates will produce a crisp sound when they collide with each other.

3. Sweet and fragrant

Normal red dates have a natural honey aroma and no sour or moldy taste. Red dates can be gently rubbed in the palm of your hand and smelled. If they emit a smell of alcohol, it indicates that fermentation has begun. If they have a crackling taste, it indicates that the fat has oxidized and deteriorated. Red dates smoked with sulfur may have a pungent chemical odor, and long-term consumption may be harmful to health.

4. No insect infestation or mold

Carefully inspect the jujube stem and fruit surface for insect eyes or white mycelium. High quality red dates have no abnormal attachments such as black spots or white frost on their skin. It is recommended to open the jujube flesh and observe the inside. Wormheaten jujube often has brown tunnel like marks, and moldy jujube flesh will produce cotton like mycelial clusters.

5. Clear Origin

Red dates from traditional production areas such as Xinjiang, Shanxi, and Shaanxi have more abundant sugar and nutrient accumulation due to sufficient sunlight and large temperature differences between day and night. Pay attention to the geographical indication certification on the packaging when purchasing. If bulk red dates are available, ask the merchant for the specific place of origin to avoid purchasing inferior dates from unknown sources.

It is recommended to consume no more than 10 red dates daily, and those with weak gastrointestinal function should eat them without skin. Red dates can be stewed with ingredients such as Tremella fuciformis and Goji berries to avoid affecting absorption when eaten with spicy foods such as onions and garlic. When storing, it should be sealed and moisture-proof. If the jujube becomes sticky or infested with insects, it should be discarded immediately. Special groups such as diabetes patients should control their intake under the guidance of nutritionists, and low sugar varieties should be given priority when purchasing.