It is easy to adulterate food items. Different types of chemicals like pesticides are used on vegetables and different types of adulteration are done on spices. Reports have revealed that due to such poisonous adulteration, the risk of serious diseases like cancer increases. Many cases of adulteration in turmeric also come to light every day. Turmeric, which has been an important part of Indian kitchen, has been used for centuries. Turmeric is considered effective not only for cooking but also for treatment. It is full of antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Turmeric enhances the color of food items but adulteration in it can make us very ill.
Many things are mixed in turmeric including chalk powder and lime. Lad’s name is also included in this. In this article, we are going to tell you how to identify adulterated turmeric at home. Know….
Elements of turmeric. Turmeric Nutrients
Turmeric has been used for treatment in India since ancient times. It contains curcumin which is a polyphenol. It works as an antioxidant. Apart from this, turmeric contains Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Iron, Copper, Zinc and Magnesium. Curcumin present in turmeric is responsible for its color and medicinal properties. It is full of anti-inflammatory properties, hence it also reduces swelling.
Methods of adulteration of turmeric. Adulteration in Turmeric
To get more profit by selling turmeric, lead, cadmium and mercury are added to it. Reports have revealed that there is a risk of serious diseases like cancer due to this. Experts say that lead chromate is a chemical compound made of two poisonous metals like lead and chromium-6 which is used in paint, dye or plastic industries. There are so many toxins in it that it has adverse effects on the brain, liver, kidneys and fertility. Chromium-6 is said to contain elements that promote cancer. To increase weight, chalk powder is mixed with real turmeric.
This is how to identify adulteration in turmeric. How to check adulteration in Haldi
Identification of the chemical- The color of turmeric is enhanced through lead chromate. To check this, mix turmeric in water. If different colored stripes are seen in it, then it is possible that it has been adulterated. Another chemical metanil is added to it. To identify its adulteration, you can test it with hydrochloric acid. If this acid is added to chemical turmeric, its color starts turning pink.
Its weight is increased by adding calcium carbonate i.e. chalk powder to turmeric. Mix hydrochloric acid in such turmeric and if bubbles are formed in it then it shows that you are eating adulterated spice.
You can also identify real or fake by color and texture. Real turmeric is of deep-golden color and smooth and fine texture. Whereas adulterated turmeric is dull, faded or uneven. Take some turmeric on your palm and rub it. In this condition turmeric leaves dark yellow color on the hands. At the same time, adulterated turmeric does not leave a dark color on the hands.
You can test this in simple water also. For this, take some turmeric and put it in water. Real turmeric turns water light yellow and also settles on the surface. At the same time, the color of adulterated turmeric becomes darker in water and it is seen floating on the upper surface. This shows that color has been adulterated in turmeric.