Lychee Safety Inspection

Lychees are often treated with red dyes to make their skins look vibrant and fumigated with Sulfur Dioxide to prevent the skin from browning during transport. 1. The Cotton Rub Test (Skin Dye): Rub a wet cotton ball on the red skin of the lychee. If the cotton picks up a pink or red color, the fruit has been artificially dyed. Natural lychee skin color does not rub off easily. 2. The Smell Test (Sulfur): Sniff the fruit. If it has a sharp, "burning match," or acidic chemical odor, it has been heavily fumigated with Sulfur Dioxide. Pure lychees have a delicate, floral, and sweet aroma. 3. The Water Soak: Soak lychees in a glass of water for 15 minutes. If the water turns pink or red, artificial dyes have been used. 4. The Internal Freshness: Peel the lychee. The flesh should be translucent white and juicy. If the flesh looks greyish, "shriveled," or has a chemical taste despite a bright red skin, it indicates old stock chemically "refreshed" or dyed.