Lo han guo

When sourcing Lo Han Guo, buyers must evaluate the Mogroside V content, which is the primary active ingredient responsible for sweetness. High-quality extracts typically range from 25% to 60% Mogroside V. For whole dried fruits, look for a large size (6-7cm diameter), a golden-brown shell without cracks, and a sweet, non-burnt aroma. Ensure the moisture content is below 5% to prevent mold during transit.

As a food product and sweetener, Lo Han Guo must comply with FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status for the US market and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) regulations for the EU. Suppliers should provide ISO 22000 or HACCP certifications for food safety management. Additionally, Organic (USDA or EU Organic) and Kosher/Halal certifications are highly recommended to expand market reach.

Lo Han Guo is available in three main forms: Whole Dried Fruit, Juice Concentrate, and Powder Extract. Whole fruits are best for traditional herbal tea markets. Juice concentrate is ideal for clean-label beverage formulations, while spray-dried powder is the most versatile for sugar-free baking, supplements, and tabletop sweeteners due to its high solubility and stability at high temperatures.

B2B buyers must demand Third-Party Lab Test Reports (SGS or Eurofins) for every batch. The product must meet strict limits on pesticide residues (following the USP <561> or EU 396/2005 standards) and heavy metals, specifically ensuring Lead (Pb) < 0.5ppm, Arsenic (As) < 0.5ppm, and Cadmium (Cd) < 0.1ppm to ensure consumer safety and customs clearance.

Lo Han Guo is highly sensitive to humidity. You should specify the use of vacuum-sealed aluminum foil bags for extracts or moisture-proof corrugated boxes with desiccants for whole fruits. For long-distance shipping, request reefer containers (controlled temperature and humidity) or ensure the cargo is positioned away from the ship's engine room to prevent heat-induced caramelization.

The harvest season for Lo Han Guo is typically September to November. To secure the best rates, negotiate Annual Supply Contracts during the harvest peak. Use Made-in-China.com to vet 'Diamond Members' or 'Audited Suppliers' who have their own planting bases, as they offer more price stability compared to middleman traders who are susceptible to market fluctuations.

Always utilize Trade Assurance or Letter of Credit (L/C) for initial large-scale transactions. Before final payment, mandate a Pre-shipment Inspection (PSI) by a third party to verify that the Mogroside V percentage and microbiological counts (E. coli, Salmonella) match the Proforma Invoice specifications.

Ensure the supplier provides a clear Certificate of Analysis (COA), a Phytosanitary Certificate, and a Certificate of Origin. In the US, ensure the FSVP (Foreign Supplier Verification Program) requirements are met. Correct HS Code classification (typically 2932.99 or 1302.19) is critical to avoid miscalculation of tariffs or unexpected customs holds.