Indian food is all about the diverse spices used. The confidential ingredient which makes Indian food truly Indian is the use of signature spices. Its distinct flavour and aroma can completely transform your dish. The purity of spices that we buy is becoming a major concern these days. Adulteration is very common, especially in spices. Most of us approach our local grocery stores for our monthly requirement of spices and condiments. Loosely sold spices have a higher chance of being adulterated. Mixing sub-standard materials to powdered condiments is very easy which we might never know.
How is Turmeric Adulterated?
Turmeric is a close relative of the ginger plant. It is a produce of Curcuma longa, a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the ginger family Zingiberaceae, native to tropical South Asia. There are around 133 known species of Curcuma identified worldwide. They are commonly found in the form of turmeric fingers and powder.
Turmeric is a vital spice in an Indian kitchen. It is frequently used in cooking as a natural colouring and brings the characteristic aroma, further as in healthy drinks like Golden milk. Turmeric milk is understood for its healing properties as well as helps in normal cough, cold and flu. It is not simply used as a flavouring agent but also as Ayurvedic medicine to boost immunity and also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. Turmeric powder manufacturer like Organic Products India grow natural & healthy turmeric fingers, free from cytotoxic substances and filled with nutritional values. While there are others who use synthetic colour dyes to make it appear bright and yellow along with the fillers. In some cases, synthetic colour dyes are used to make it appear bright and yellow along with the fillers. These might embody chemicals like Metanil yellow colour and lead chromate which are most typically used. They will be cytotoxic and may have a negative impact on our health particularly if they're being consumed often hidden in our turmeric powder.
Given its daily use and therefore the impact on our health, it's vital that you simply get the impeccable quality of turmeric. It should be troublesome to differentiate between real and pretended turmeric simply by looking at it. If you're unsure, here are four ways in which to ascertain if the turmeric you are using is pure or mixed with some adulterants.
- To check for Metanil yellow: Put some turmeric in a test tube and add a few drops of concentrated hydrochloric acid and some water to it. Then shake it strenuously. If the mixture turns pink then it indicates that the turmeric powder had Metanil yellow in it. Metanil yellow is often used in ladoos, mithais and biryani to feature colour and it should cause you to feel sickening, cause abdomen disorders and even sickness.
- Presence of chalk powder: Add some turmeric powder in a glass flask or test tube. Add a few drops of hydrochloric acid and some water. If the liquid gives bubbles then it indicates the presence of chalk powder or yellow soapstone powder.
- The water test: One of the easiest way to check adulteration in turmeric is the water test. Add some water in a glass and drop a teaspoon of turmeric on the surface. Leave it for 20 minutes without stirring or mixing it. If the sediments settle down at the bottom of the glass and clear water stays above, your turmeric is pure. If the water turns cloudy then there is a possibility of adulteration.
- To spot adulterated turmeric root: Turmeric root is adulterated by coating it with a substance that makes it look more appealing. To test this, place the turmeric root on a paper and pour cold water over it. If the root starts leaving colour, it may be impure and polished to look the way it does.
While there are many spices manufacturers who deal in turmeric powder, ‘Organic Products India’ is the leading and most trusted organic products manufacturers in India. So, the next time you go for grocery shopping, don’t get duped. Make certain you get your condiments from renowned and approved vendors or brands and perpetually check for his or her truthfulness.
