Further, it is easier to control the level of sulphur dioxide, which can reach unhealthy levels in ordinary dried lilies. However, the resulting color is inferior. Teng provides a tip for consumers: the ordinarily processed lily is orange-yellow of light brown, and consumers should avoid buying ones that are too reddish orange or have a pungent medicinal odor.
「這也提供了消費者一個選購金針的方法」，鄧德豐說明，正常加工的乾金針是自然的橙黃或微褐色，因此他建議消費者購買時，最好眼到、鼻到，不要買顏色過於紅橙，和有刺鼻藥味的金針。