How to dry wolfberry when it gets damp?

Wolfberry is not unfamiliar to many people. It is a traditional Chinese medicine with relatively high medicinal value. Wolfberry is rich in trace elements and minerals. Regular consumption can have health benefits for the human body. However, wolfberry is prone to moisture and stickiness during normal storage. If wolfberry becomes sticky, you can spread it out in the sun to dry it, or you can refrigerate it to dry it.

Can I still eat wolfberries if they become sticky?

Goji berries can be used if they are sticky but not moldy

The reason why wolfberries become sticky is mostly because the air in the storage environment is too humid. As long as the wolfberries themselves are not moldy, have no worms, have no black spots on the surface, and are not moldy inside, they can be eaten.

Goji berries are sticky and black and should not be eaten

If the wolfberries turn black and sticky, it means that the sugar in them has been oxidized. Such wolfberries will contain some pathogenic microorganisms and should not be eaten.

Is the wolfberry sticky?

Wolfberry is normally bright red, dry and non-sticky. If not stored properly, wolfberries will be affected by the moisture and oxygen in the air and become sticky, which is what we call damp.

Generally speaking, if the wolfberry does not change color, it means it has not become moldy or rotten. If the color becomes darker or black, the wolfberry has deteriorated. Its chemical composition has changed pharmacologically, and it has gone bad. It is best not to use it.

Why does wolfberry become sticky?

Wolfberries will become sticky when exposed to heat and moisture, because wolfberries contain sugar. As long as the storage temperature is higher than 20 degrees, or in a humid place, the sugar in the wolfberries will be released, causing the wolfberries to become sticky. The larger the wolfberries, the more fructose they contain, and the easier it is to become sticky when exposed to heat and moisture.

Some people wash the wolfberries once they are bought, dry them and then store them. This will also cause the wolfberries to become sticky, and it will be difficult to dry them in the sun or in an oven.

What to do if wolfberry becomes sticky

When wolfberries become damp and stick together, place them in the sun to dry, then put them in a plastic bag and refrigerate them for a while. Take them out after 24 hours. Do not open the bag, and gently break up the stuck wolfberries through the bag.

How to store wolfberry

Wolfberries should be stored in a cool and dry place. Be careful not to get them wet during storage. Wolfberries that have been exposed to the sun should be spread out for a while after being brought back to the room. After about ten minutes when the wolfberries become hard and dry, put them in a bag, seal them and refrigerate them.

How long can wolfberry be stored?

Generally speaking, the shelf life of wolfberry is about 18 months, which varies depending on the storage conditions. If it is kept in a cool, dry, sealed and light-proof environment, the wolfberry can be stored longer. If it is not stored properly, the wolfberry will become moldy, so it should not be eaten even within the shelf life. If some wolfberries are out of their shelf life and their color does not appear to have changed, it is not recommended to use them because wolfberries are medicinal materials after all and their efficacy will easily decrease after their shelf life has expired.