Cherries Safety Inspection

Cherries, especially those in jars (Maraschino) or imported fresh varieties, are often treated with red dyes (Erythrosine) to look vibrant and fumigated with sulfur to prevent rot. 1. The Cotton Rub Test (Skin Dye): Rub a wet cotton ball on the red skin of a fresh cherry. If the cotton picks up a pink or red color, artificial dye has been applied. Natural cherry color does not rub off easily. 2. The Water Soak (Color Bleed): Drop a few cherries into a glass of warm water for 15 minutes. If the water turns bright pink or red, suspect artificial coloring. Natural cherry juice leaches very slowly and turns the water a faint, pale red. 3. The Smell and Texture Check: Sniff the cherries. If they have a sharp, "burning match," or acidic chemical smell, they have been heavily treated with sulfur dioxide. The skin should be firm and shiny; if it feels "slimy" while looking bright red, it is old stock chemically refreshed. 4. The Stem Integrity: Naturally fresh cherries have vibrant green, flexible stems. If the cherries are bright red but the stems are dark brown, dry, and brittle, it indicates they are old and have likely been dyed or chemically preserved.