Goji Berry Washing Method: The correct steps to wash goji berries before soaking them in water.

养生佳品 wolfberry: To wash or not to wash?As a health product that is both food and medicine, the washing method of wolfberry directly affects its edible safety and nutrient release. The wolfberry available in the market may have residues of dust, microorganisms, and agricultural preparations on its surface due to multiple processes such as picking, drying, and packaging. Mastering a scientific washing method can not only remove impurities but also retain the nutrients to the maximum extent, which is a practical skill that health enthusiasts must understand.I. Three reasons why wolfberry must be washed1.1 Necessity of removing pesticide residuesPesticide formulations used in modern large-scale planting are easily attached to the surface wrinkles, and experimental data shows that warm water washing can remove more than 65% of fat-soluble pesticide residues.1.2 Demand for microbial disinfectionThe number of bacterial colonies on the surface of wolfberry can reach 10^3-10^4 CFU per gram, and condensation water during cold chain transportation is more likely to breed microorganisms. Thorough washing can reduce the risk of foodborne diseases.1.3 Key to nutrient releaseSoaking can soften the waxy layer on the surface, making active ingredients such as wolfberry polysaccharides and betaine more easily soluble, and the nutrient release rate of wolfberry soaked in water after washing increases by 23%.II. Detailed explanation of the five-step scientific washing method2.1 Pretreatment stageUse a food-grade sieve to remove debris, and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to loosen surface impurities.2.2 Double purification technology① Salt water soaking: Prepare physiological saltwater at a ratio of 1:100 and soak for 8 minutes to decompose pesticide residues. ② Flour absorption: Add 5g/L of edible starch to form a colloidal solution and let it sit for 5 minutes.2.3 Key points of final rinsingRinse with running water at a water temperature of 30-40°C, with a water flow rate of 0.5m/s being the optimal parameter.III. Golden brewing rules3.1 Quantitative standardsIt is recommended to use 12-15 high-quality Zhongning wolfberries per serving, corresponding to 300ml of 70°C warm water.3.2 Temperature and time controlCover and steep for 6-8 minutes, when the water body turns amber, the nutrient release reaches its peak state.3.3 Taboo of compatibilityBrewing with green tea will form tannic acid calcium, affecting absorption. It is recommended to drink at intervals of 2 hours.From washing to brewing, every step needs to follow scientific norms. It is recommended to choose organic certified wash-free wolfberry as the first choice. Regularly disinfect containers with ultraviolet light, and pairing with ingredients such as red dates and chrysanthemum can enhance the health effects. Establishing the correct wolfberry usage process allows this "red soft gold" to truly unleash its health benefits.