New Delhi: The summer season welcomes a lot of fresh and seasonal fruits that are available in the market, such as mangoes and litchis. While we all love eating these fruits, one thing that has become a hassle these days is knowing if the produce is fake or real. Market produce may sometimes use chemicals or pesticides that can harm the consumer and may even cause death due to the high content of chemicals in it. It becomes necessary to know if the fruit you are consuming is real or fake.

Litchis are available in abundance in the market these days, and it becomes difficult to know if they are real or are being sold with the use of chemicals. There are several tests and observations which can save time and help you know the real deal. This article will help you identify the real litchis and help you not to pick the ones that are not good for health and consumption. Check here to know how you can spot real vs fake litchi.

How to spot fake v/s real Litchi

1. Check the Skin Texture

• Real litchi: Has slightly rough, natural red-pink skin with tiny bumps and natural brown patches as it ripens.
• Fake litchi: May look overly smooth or shiny due to artificial wax or polish. If the skin looks too perfectit might be chemically treated.

2. Observe the Colour

• Real: Natural litchi shows a light to dark pink or reddish tone with uneven colouring.
• Fake: Uniformly bright red or unnaturally vibrant — this could be a result of artificial colouring.

3. Smell the Fruit

• Real: Has a mild, fruity, floral aroma.
• Fake: May lack any smell or might give off a chemical or sour scent if ripened with carbide or sprayed with chemicals.

4. Cut and Check the Pulp

• Real: Inside, the pulp is white, juicy, and translucent. The seed is medium-sized and brown.
• Fake: Chemically treated litchis might have dull, dry, or rubbery pulp with an off taste.

5. Taste Test

• Real: Naturally sweet with a slightly tangy edge.
• Fake: May taste bitter, overly sweet, or have a metallic aftertaste due to artificial ripening.

Spotting fake litchis isn’t complicated once you know what to look for. Always check for natural texture, smell, uneven colouring, and taste before consuming. While attractive litchis may catch your eye, it’s better to rely on the subtle signs of natural ripeness rather than appearance alone. By staying aware and informed, you can protect your health and enjoy the real, nutritious taste of this delicious summer fruit.