As soon as the summer season arrives, there is a glut of red and juicy watermelons in the market. In the midst of strong sunlight and increasing heat, eating cold watermelon not only gives taste but also helps in keeping the body hydrated. But have you ever wondered whether the watermelon you are eating is completely natural or have chemicals been used in it? Nowadays, in order to earn more profit, in many places, chemicals are used to ripen the watermelon quickly or to make it look more red and attractive, which can be harmful for health.
If you are also fond of eating watermelon in summer, then it is very important to understand how to differentiate between natural and chemical watermelon. A little caution and correct information can keep you and your family safe. Let us also tell you in this article how we can identify watermelons containing chemicals.
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What things are mixed in watermelon?
Many methods of adulteration are seen in watermelon, the most common of which is the use of chemical coloring (such as erythrosin), which makes its pulp look more red and attractive. Some people inject sugar or saccharin into the watermelon to make it appear sweet, while chemicals or hormones are also used to ripen it faster. All these adulterations can be harmful to health. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also warned about adulteration of artificial colors in watermelon and has given ways to identify it.
pay attention to color
The color of natural watermelon ranges from light pink to dark red, but if the watermelon looks too bright or unusually red on the inside, it may be ripe or colored with chemicals.
See White Streaks
If white or light yellow stripes are seen inside the cut watermelon, it may be a sign that a chemical has been injected into it. Natural watermelon rarely has such a pattern.
Taste and texture test
The taste of natural watermelon is sweet and refreshing. At the same time, watermelon with chemicals can give a bland, bitter or strange taste and its texture can also appear a bit hard or spongy.
test in water
Put a small piece of watermelon in water. If the color of the water starts turning light pink or red, it is a sign that artificial color may have been added to it.
See seeds and pulp
In natural watermelon, the seeds are properly distributed and the pulp is filled evenly. If there are very few seeds, or the texture of the pulp appears uneven, it may be a sign of chemical treatment.
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