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Identifying Imported Fruits: A Guide to Chinese Produce

The presence of Chinese fruits is ubiquitous in the markets and roadside stalls. These fruits are often tainted with harmful chemicals, and some are even counterfeited. How can consumers identify and steer clear of these treacherous Chinese fruits?

Administrator

11 July, 2024

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Grapes

Chinese red grapes are easily recognizable by their large, round, pale-colored fruits with a white powdery coating. They have a sour taste and soft texture, and tend to become mushy when refrigerated.

Chinese green grapes have thin skins, are seedless, very sweet, and have large, loosely attached berries.

Pears

Chinese pears are round with shiny, taut skin, but the flesh is bruised and blackened with tiny holes. They are very sweet, lacking the tartness of Vietnamese pears, and can be stored for up to five months due to heavy preservation.

Oranges

There are two types of oranges from China: the golden orange and the peelable orange, also known as kumquats. Chinese oranges are typically seedless. Golden oranges are sweet, evenly round, and have a deep orange or golden color, often mislabeled as “Australian oranges” to fetch a higher price. Peelable oranges, on the other hand, are sour, have thin skins, and can be easily peeled like tangerines. They are relatively inexpensive, selling for about 15,000 VND per kilogram.

Apples

Chinese apples come in pinkish or yellow hues with a white waxy coating on the exterior, along with tiny yellow, black, or brown spots. They are round in shape, lacking the height and angularity of American apples, and have a bitter taste even when peeled. Green apples from China tend to be light green or yellowish, and they are also quite bitter.

Strawberries

Chinese strawberries are uniformly red from the stem to the tip. They are evenly shaped and sized, large, firm, and smooth, but the flesh is mushy, bland, and lacking in aroma.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are one of the most imported fruits from China to Vietnam. Chinese pomegranates have a vibrant red-pink hue, are shiny and evenly sized, and quite large. However, the seeds are a deep red, lacking aroma, and tend to be watery, bland, and mushy, often spoiling from the inside out. They also have more seeds than their Vietnamese counterparts.

Cherries

Cherries are a premium and nutritious fruit, typically priced between 500,000 and 700,000 VND. If you come across cherries priced at around 300,000 VND, they are likely not imported from the US. Chinese cherries have a deep red or bright red color, and their stems are not as fresh-looking as those from the US or Australia. They have an overly sweet taste, and the flesh is soft and mushy.

Another way to identify Chinese cherries is by their seasonality. Cherries from the US and Canada are in season from May to August, while those from Australia are available from Christmas to after the Lunar New Year. If you find cherries being sold cheaply and staying fresh outside of these seasons, their origin may be questionable.

Fruits from China are often treated with harmful chemicals and sold at low prices, which not only endangers consumers’ health but also affects the domestic fruit market. Be a wise consumer and choose your fruits carefully!

Frequently asked questions

Identifying imported fruits, especially those from China, involves looking for certain characteristics and indicators. Firstly, imported fruits are often packaged and labeled, with stickers or stamps indicating the country of origin, variety, and sometimes the farm or producer. Look for labels or stickers that specifically mention ‘Product of China’ or similar wording. Secondly, unique codes or barcodes on the packaging or individual fruits can be indicative of imported produce. These codes are often used for tracking and can be scanned to reveal more information about the product’s origin. Additionally, the appearance and characteristics of the fruit itself can provide clues. Imported fruits may have a more uniform size and shape compared to local produce, and they might also be waxed or coated to enhance their appearance and prolong shelf life.

Common indicators include packaging and labeling, with specific mentions of ‘Product of China’ or similar phrasing. Unique codes or barcodes are also often used on imported fruit packaging or on the produce itself. Additionally, the appearance of the fruit can be a clue; imported fruits may have a very uniform size and shape, and they might be waxed or coated to make them look more appealing and fresh.

Chinese-imported fruits often have distinct characteristics. They are typically very uniform in size and shape, which is a result of the large-scale farming and standardization practices employed in China. Additionally, these fruits are often waxed or coated to enhance their appearance and prolong their shelf life. This coating can sometimes be noticeable, giving the fruit a slightly unnatural sheen.

Food safety is a critical concern, and it’s important to be vigilant when consuming imported produce. Always purchase imported fruits from reputable sources and retailers who prioritize food safety and adhere to import regulations. Check for any signs of damage, spoilage, or tampering with the packaging. Also, look for certifications and seals of approval from food safety organizations on the packaging. Finally, washing and properly handling the fruit before consumption can help reduce any potential risks.

Yes, certain types of fruits are more commonly imported from China than others. These include apples, pears, citrus fruits (such as oranges and tangerines), and stone fruits (like peaches and plums). China is a major producer and exporter of these fruits, and they are often competitively priced in the global market.