Dried lychee fruits

When evaluating dried lychee, focus on the flesh color, moisture content, and shell integrity. High-quality dried lychee should have dark reddish-brown to black flesh that is slightly translucent and elastic, not brittle. The moisture content should ideally be between 15% and 18% to prevent mold while maintaining a chewy texture. Ensure the shells are intact and free from cracks, as broken shells increase the risk of internal contamination and oxidation.

There are two primary methods: Traditional Charcoal Roasting and Heat Pump Dehydration. Charcoal roasting provides a unique smoky aroma and deep flavor profile highly valued in traditional markets, but it requires strict temperature control to avoid scorching. Heat Pump Dehydration (Cold Drying) is increasingly popular for B2B exports because it better preserves the fruit's nutritional value, natural vitamins, and color consistency, while offering superior hygiene standards and energy efficiency.

For cross-border trade, suppliers must provide HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and ISO 22000 certifications to ensure food safety management. Depending on the target market, you may also require Phytosanitary Certificates issued by the exporting country's customs. For premium markets, look for GlobalG.A.P. (Good Agricultural Practices) and FDA registration if exporting to the United States, ensuring the product is free from sulfur dioxide residues and heavy metals.

To maintain shelf life (typically 12-18 months), dried lychee should be packed in multi-layer moisture-proof bags or vacuum-sealed aluminum foil bags. For bulk wholesale, these are usually placed in double-corrugated export cartons. It is critical to include desiccant packets inside the primary packaging to manage humidity fluctuations during sea freight, especially when crossing different climate zones.

Always request a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) conducted by a third-party agency like SGS or Intertek. Specify that the inspector must perform a random cut-test to check for internal mold or insect infestation, which are common risks in dried fruits. Additionally, use Made-in-China.com's Secured Trading services to ensure payment is only released after the quality is verified against your agreed specifications.

Be wary of prices significantly below the market average, as this often indicates the use of fallen fruit (lower quality) or excessive sulfur bleaching to mask defects. Negotiate based on pulp-to-pit ratio and fruit size (e.g., Grade A: 28-32mm). For large orders, request a tiered pricing structure where the unit price decreases as volume increases, and aim for FOB (Free On Board) terms to maintain better control over your logistics costs.

Dried lychee is an agricultural product and is subject to strict quarantine regulations. Before ordering, check your country's Import Commodity List to see if a special import permit is required. Ensure the supplier provides a Certificate of Origin to potentially benefit from Preferential Tariff Rates under trade agreements (like RCEP or ASEAN-China FTA), which can significantly reduce your total landed cost.

For initial orders with new suppliers, avoid 100% upfront payments. A standard industry practice is 30% deposit and 70% balance against the Bill of Lading (B/L) copy. Conduct all communications and transactions through reputable B2B platforms like Made-in-China.com, which provide audited supplier profiles and 'Diamond Member' statuses to help you identify verified manufacturers with proven export track records.