Top News

Turmeric Adulteration: Turmeric is not only used in kitchen vegetables, but it also has many religious importance. Turmeric is also considered a symbol of auspiciousness. Whereas according to Ayurveda, many medicinal properties are found in turmeric.

Let us tell you that turmeric is used extensively in all the auspicious works of Sanatan Dharma. Even in marriage, people celebrate the Haldi ceremony with great pomp. Marriage remains incomplete without the rituals of turmeric, but both real and fake turmeric are available in the market, in such a situation how to identify which turmeric is pure.

Ways to identify the purity of turmeric

• water test

This is the easiest way. Try adding turmeric to a glass of clean water. Real turmeric settles down slowly and does not leave much color in the water. Whereas fake or adulterated turmeric immediately turns the water dark yellow or orange. This indicates that artificial color has been added to it.

• color check

The color of real turmeric is light, natural and slightly muddy yellow. But fake turmeric is very bright yellow or dark in color, which may look attractive but often chemical dye is used in it.

• iodine test

If there is starch or any other adulteration in turmeric, then adding iodine on it can change its color to blue or black. This method is considered especially useful for laboratory or home testing.

• test by burning

Take turmeric in a spoon and heat it on low flame. If the turmeric is pure then it will have a light natural aroma. If it is adulterated, it may give off a strange or chemical smell when it burns.

What is lead chromate?

Lead chromate is a chemical compound made of two extremely toxic heavy metals, namely lead and chromium‑6, which is used in the paint, dye, and plastics industries. It is so poisonous that it simultaneously adversely affects the brain, nervous system, liver, kidney and fertility. Chromium‑6 is considered a carcinogen.

Consumption of lead chromate can cause serious problems like headache, dizziness, memory loss, stomach and lung cancer, liver-kidney damage, deformities in the fetus and hindrance in the physical-mental development of children.

Easy tips to avoid adulterated turmeric

• Always buy turmeric from a trusted brand or a trusted shopkeeper.
• Avoid turmeric that is too bright yellow.
• Be sure to check FSSAI certification on the packet.
• Store spices properly.