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Yogi Raj recovered lakhs of adulterated tea! Find out if the tea is real or fake with this home trick

Sandy Verma | July 9, 2026 1:24 AM CST

Adulterated Tea Leaves? Recently, a special task force raided a tea factory in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki and found a large quantity of adulterated tea leaves. The market value of recovered adulterated tea is around 1.5 lakh rupees, police said. Unknowingly drinking tea made from such leaves leaves the possibility of serious harm. But there are many who start their day with a cup of tea every day.

How do you know if the tea that comes regularly at home contains harmful chemicals? Know the easy way to recognize fake tea leaves.

The color of the water will tell whether the tea is real or fake.

• Check the cold water

Steep some tea leaves in a glass of cold, not hot, water. If the color of the water immediately turns dark, then it should be understood that artificial colors are most likely added to it. Because pure tea leaves never dissolve quickly in cold water. It also takes time to catch color in water.

• Try rubbing on white paper

Take some tea leaves and soak it in water. Then leave it on white paper or tissue for a while. If clear black or brown spots begin to appear, it is likely that the color is mixed in the leaf.

• Note the leaf shape

Good quality tea leaves are relatively uniform in size and have less excess dust or powder. Excessively powdery or abnormally broken leaves may be cause for suspicion.

• Check the aroma

Real tea leaves have a natural, pleasant aroma. If there is a strong chemical or unusual smell, it is better to avoid it.

• Note the type of leaves after brewing the tea

After being steeped in hot water, the tea leaves expand slightly and look like normal leaves. Adulterated or low quality tea leaves are often broken or in abnormal condition.

How to Detect Adulterated Tea Leaves at Home — Wet tea leaves on white paper can tell whether it is adulterated or not.

• Pay attention to color

Good teas usually slowly release a golden-brown or reddish-brown color. Be careful if the dark black color comes out very quickly.

To avoid such fears, buy from a trusted brand or seller. But remember, these tests can only give a preliminary idea, but laboratory analysis is the most reliable method to identify whether the tea actually contains harmful chemicals or adulterants.