In the article below, we present to you some tips on how to choose the best quality dried foods!
Peanuts
Peanuts are widely sold in dry goods markets, but not everyone knows how to select delicious and healthy peanuts. When buying peanuts, keep these points in mind:
- Choose firm, solid peanuts for better taste and crunchiness. Red peanuts are usually firmer than white ones.
- Avoid selecting peanuts that are shriveled, moldy, infested, or sprouting. These types are of poor quality and not good for health. Therefore, to ensure quality, pick the peanuts yourself.
Dried Fish
Dried fish is a popular choice for many home cooks during cooler days. Its fragrant aroma and salty taste are very appealing to tasters. However, dried fish does not always guarantee good quality and health safety, so when purchasing, you should carefully observe:
- When buying dried fish, the first thing to pay attention to is the color. The fish should have a bright yellow color and feel dry to the touch.
When buying dried fish, the first thing to pay attention to is the color. (Illustration)
- If the fish appears cloudy with brown spots or is leaking moisture, it has been stored for too long. You should skip these fish.
- Additionally, you can hold the fish in your hand and smell it. Good dried fish should have a light fishy odor, not overpowering, with clear eyes.
Dried fish is usually salty because during the drying process, producers need to add a sufficient amount of salt to prolong its shelf life. You can reduce the saltiness by soaking the fish in diluted lemon water for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the type of fish. If you want the dried fish to be softer, soak it longer in water.
Black Fungus
Choose black fungus that has large, thick caps, is black in color, and has a velvety layer covering the cap. Dried, crispy black fungus is the best quality.
Choose black fungus that has large, thick caps, is black in color, and has a velvety layer covering the cap. (Illustration).
Shiitake Mushrooms
- Choose “button” shiitake mushrooms with small stems and thick bodies. The mushrooms should be a light brown color, evenly thick, with a characteristic aroma of shiitake, and feel dry to the touch.
- Avoid selecting wet, moldy mushrooms with unusual odors.
Dried Bamboo Shoots
Good dried bamboo shoots have a yellowish-brown color and retain the distinctive aroma of fresh bamboo. Choose shoots that are uniformly golden without fibers, indicating they are young. There are four types of dried bamboo shoots: Truc bamboo, Nua bamboo, Vau bamboo, and Pig tongue bamboo.
- Truc bamboo is small and pointed, crunchy and sweet. Nua and Vau bamboo are softer. These three types are usually used for stir-frying or soup.
- Pig tongue bamboo is a root type, cut into pieces, and dried. When cooked, it is cut into pig tongue shapes and often braised with pork or trotters for special meals.
Additionally, there is sulfur-dried bamboo, which has a very strong chemical smell and a shiny appearance. However, avoid buying dried bamboo that has unusual colors; only buy bamboo that is preserved in labeled plastic bags with clear origin and address. When purchasing, check for clear labels and expiration dates, or buy from reputable stores to avoid low-quality products.
Dried Squid
Dried squid is a popular snack both at home and in restaurants, but not everyone can recognize quality dried squid. The first thing to pay attention to is the color of the squid. If made from fresh squid, the belly should be white, the back pink with dark spots resembling squid skin. Good dried squid should not have a fishy smell, feel dry to the touch, and the tentacles should be firmly attached to the body and pinkish-white. Additionally, dried squid should have a straight body and thick flesh, making it sweeter when grilled than thinner pieces.
Dried Shrimp
Delicious dried shrimp is usually land shrimp dried naturally, giving it a natural reddish-pink color, with firm meat.
Dried shrimp is often used in soups or salads and can be stored for a long time in the refrigerator, making it very popular.
Quality dried shrimp should be land shrimp, dried naturally, with a natural reddish-pink color, firm meat, and no strong odor. Avoid buying shrimp that are pale or dark red, as they may not be land shrimp or could be dyed, which is harmful to health.
Glass Noodles
The first principle in choosing safe glass noodles is their color. Noodles that are light gray and opaque, resembling the natural color of the root, indicate they have not been washed and are safe. Consumers should not buy pure white or yellow noodles, as they have been bleached or dyed. Moreover, good glass noodles should be dry, not too brittle or too chewy. Noodles that are excessively brittle or chewy are often treated with borax. Therefore, choose straight, evenly thick strands of noodles. Avoid buying broken noodles as they may contain dust and sand.
When properly prepared, quality glass noodles will be smooth, chewy yet soft, and not mushy. Notably, good noodles should require a long cooking time to soften and should not swell quickly; even if left all day, they should not become mushy. Noodles that swell excessively and break easily likely contain starch. Additionally, when purchasing, hold the bundle of noodles to your nose to check for any unusual smells. If there is a strange chemical smell, avoid buying it. Choose noodles packaged in bags, preferably with a brand name, contact information, production date, and expiration date.
Once purchased, glass noodles should be stored in a dry, cool place, away from dampness and moisture. After use, wrap them carefully and seal them in the refrigerator for future use. Never leave them exposed in the environment as noodles can easily become moldy.
Seaweed
Understanding the specific information about the type of seaweed you need will help you make the best choice. Therefore, carefully check the manufacturer’s information, main ingredients, and price on the product packaging.
For products imported from Japan or Korea, pay attention to the Vietnamese instructions on the packaging for the best usage and storage methods for seaweed. You can learn about the quality of each type of seaweed through forums and websites. Choose dried seaweed from reputable manufacturers that are well-known and highly rated.
Seaweed provides many essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, minerals, vitamins, iodine, and DHA. However, it is only truly high-quality when fresh. Expired seaweed will significantly affect quality. Avoid purchasing seaweed that is past its expiration date.
