Be wary of "beauty" seeds
Dehydrated Onion,Dehydrated Onion Granules,Dehydrated Onion Powder,Dehydrated Onion Powder For Flavoring Taizhou Shubenshu Food Co.,Ltd , https://www.lvweifoods.com
September 15 02:17:13, 2025
Roasted and baked snacks, including savory melon seeds and nuts, have long been cherished as traditional foods, especially during festive seasons. Historically, on New Year’s Eve, the sound of people cracking melon seeds mixed with the noise of firecrackers, creating a lively atmosphere. Today, while firecrackers are still common, the popularity of roasted and baked goods has grown significantly. As the new year approaches, a wide variety of these treats flood the market, offering diverse flavors and satisfying changing consumer tastes, making the "flavor" of the season richer and more meaningful.
There are countless types of roasted foods, each with its own unique preparation method. Most are made from fruits, seeds, or nuts, using frying, baking, or a combination of both. These snacks are not only delicious but also nutritious, containing essential nutrients like unsaturated fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron. These components help regulate blood pressure and lower cholesterol, contributing to overall health.
The quality of roasted products has improved over time. According to national quality inspections, the qualification rates for roasted food products in 2006, 2007, and 2008 were 76.4%, 72%, and 99.9% respectively. These tests cover sensory evaluation, acid value, peroxide value, carbonyl value, food additives, sulfur dioxide residues, microbial counts, and labeling.
Liu Yanqin, deputy director and senior engineer at the National Food Quality and Safety Supervision and Inspection Center, explained that different roasted foods require specific quality checks. For example, high-quality melon seeds should be uniform in size, full in shape, and free from flat or shriveled pieces. Their natural color is a key indicator—products that appear overly bright may be chemically treated.
In the past, some unscrupulous sellers used harmful chemicals to enhance the appearance of roasted seeds, such as bleaching pumpkin seeds with sulfur dioxide or coloring watermelon seeds. Although current regulations, like GB 2760-2007, strictly control the use of food additives, consumers should still be cautious, especially when buying from street vendors or bulk products without proper labels.
It's important to note that many roasted snacks are high in fat, which makes them prone to oxidation if not stored properly. Exposure to heat, humidity, or old ingredients can lead to increased peroxide values, causing digestive discomfort. If the seeds smell rancid, bitter, or stale, they may have exceeded safe levels of acid and peroxide. Some sellers might add excessive sweetness to mask bad odors, so it's safer to choose original sesame seeds or well-known brands.
Expert Tip: When purchasing roasted seeds or nuts, always check the label. It should include the product name, net weight, ingredients, manufacturer details, standard number, production date, and shelf life. Since these products are oily and perishable, pay close attention to the production date and prefer those with a shorter shelf life. Also, ensure the packaging is intact, ideally vacuum-sealed or with an oxygen absorber to maintain freshness.