On a quiet afternoon, you brew a cup of hot jujube tea and enjoy the sweetness and warmth brought by red dates. Jujubes, known as nature's "vitamin pills", play an indispensable role on our dinner tables, whether as a healthy snack or a good culinary product, they are loved by all ages. However, when you pick out these seemingly bright and attractive red dates in front of the supermarket shelves, have you ever stopped to ponder the secrets that may be hidden behind them? 
Among the jujubes circulating in the market, there is a kind of existence that we call "sulfur bezoars", which are fumigated with sulfur, although they look more vivid and attractive, but they may pose a threat to our health. The issue of sulfur dates is not a new topic, but many consumers still have difficulty distinguishing when making a purchase, or even know how to deal with it. This article will demystify sulfur dates and take you through the basics: how to identify them, why they are on the market, and how to make healthier choices. From appearance to taste, from simple home testing methods to selection tips, we offer a range of practical tips to help you and your family stay away from the dangers of sulfur dates and enjoy pure and healthy dates. Let's start this journey and explore the real world of dates, ensuring that every one of your dates is natural, healthy, and safe. At this moment, let's pick up the magnifying glass and unveil the sulphur dates together to ensure that there are no more hidden dangers in our healthy diet. Sulfur fumigation is a traditional method of food preservation, but when it is used to treat jujubes, it may leave residues that are harmful to the human body. Long-term consumption of sulfur dates may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea and vomiting, and even affect the respiratory system, resulting in difficulty breathing or wheezing. What's more, the long-term effects of sulfur residue intake on the body are not fully understood, but some studies have pointed out that it may be related to an increased burden on the liver and a decrease in immune system function. The reason why sulfur fumigated jujube is common is because sulfur has a strong bactericidal ability, which can effectively extend the shelf life of jujube and reduce the loss during transportation and storage. In addition, the sulfur-treated jujubes have a more glamorous appearance and are more able to attract the attention of consumers, thereby increasing sales. However, this practice sacrifices food safety and consumer health, sparking public concern and discussion about food handling methods. 
Warning of appearanceThe surface of naturally dried jujube is usually uneven, darker in color, and has natural wrinkles and traces of dryness; On the other hand, the appearance of sulfur-treated jujube is too bright, the color is unusually uniform, and the characteristic wrinkles of natural jujube are lacking. Clues to the smell of natural red dates exude a faint sweet aroma, while sulfur dates have a characteristic pungent smell that resembles the smell of a burned match, which is a straightforward way to identify sulfur dates. Differences in taste Compared to natural dates, sulfur dates may be firmer on the palate, lacking the softness and moisture they deserve, especially when chewing. 
It is not difficult to identify sulfur dates, the key is to observe and experience them carefully. By comprehensively evaluating the appearance, smell and taste of jujubes, consumers can effectively avoid purchasing sulfur-treated products and protect their health. In addition, choosing reputable merchants and brands, as well as paying attention to the label information on product packaging, are also important measures to ensure food safety.