车厘子变苦？春节“C位”水果被吐槽......
双语君约 5 分钟Discussions around cherry prices being "slashed in half" have frequently topped social media trends in China recently.
In November 2025, as the new season's Southern Hemisphere cherries first hit the market, a major supermarket chain was selling 3J-grade Chilean cherries at 159.9 yuan per kilogram. By January 2026, the price for the same product had dropped by half to 79.9 yuan.
从每年11月到次年2月，随着车厘子供应量逐渐上升，其价格也随之下降。
But the bargain has left a sour taste for many. Consumers report cherries that look flawless on the outside yet taste bitter, with browning, soft flesh — an experience widely described online as "opening a blind box".
西北农林科技大学博士、校外导师成雨洁分析认为，今年春节时间较晚，而车厘子上市较早。
部分批发商初期为卖好价囤货惜售，待后期货源集中大量上市，前期积压在冷库的库存已因存放时间过长而变质。
此外，今年车厘子产季整体提前，到货时间集中、早期到货量激增，给供应链带来巨大压力。
So why are premium cherries suddenly falling short?
Industry experts point to a perfect storm of timing and logistics.
This year's Chinese New Year falls later than usual, while the Southern Hemisphere cherry harvest arrived early. According to Cheng Yujie, a postdoctoral researcher at Northwest A&F University, some wholesalers stockpiled fruit in the early weeks, betting on higher prices later. But when supply surged in January, those cold-stored cherries had already passed their prime.
stockpile /ˈstɑːkpaɪl/ v. 贮存；积累
"Even if the stems are still green, the flesh may have already undergone browning," Cheng said. "Bitter taste is a clear sign of internal deterioration."
Compounding the issue, most imported cherries are transported in modified atmosphere packaging, which slows spoilage but isn't foolproof. Over time, carbon dioxide builds up inside the bags, eventually exceeding what the fruit can tolerate. The result: oxidation, discoloration, and bitterness.
成雨洁还提到，车厘子一般最长存放时间为40天，这包括了冷链运输和销售期。从原产地运输至国内约需25天，留给终端销售的时间仅剩十余天，因此市面上在售车厘子确有可能存在不新鲜的情况。
Cheng added that cherries typically last up to 40 days from harvest to retail. With sea freight taking roughly 25 days from origin to Chinese ports, that leaves just over two weeks for sales. Given such narrow margins, some cherries on the market may already be past their shelf life.
So, are off-tasting cherries still safe to eat?
Health publication Life Times advises caution. While slightly darkened fruit without visible mold or odor may still be edible, its flavor and texture are compromised. More importantly, decay often begins from the inside, making it hard to assess by appearance alone.
"For children, the elderly, or anyone with a sensitive stomach, it's better to err on the side of caution," the report noted.
For those still craving cherries this holiday season, experts recommend buying in person at reputable supermarkets, or ordering from verified online retailers. Upon delivery, customers should inspect the fruit immediately — and record a video as proof in case of spoilage, which can help secure refunds or replacements.
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