Gud Ki Expiry Date: Winter season is going on, in this season we consume many things which keep the body warm. Jaggery is a superfood that provides sweetness instead of sugar. It provides relief from many health problems. We consume jaggery directly while making things like sweets, halwa and kheer. Jaggery is healthy but have you heard that jaggery also has an expiry date. There are many signs of spoilage of jaggery due to which we can avoid consuming it.
Talking about jaggery, it contains abundant nutrients. For example, calories, sugar, potassium, magnesium, manganese, fructose and glucose are present in jaggery. Jaggery is considered to be the biggest and best source of iron. Jaggery is available in the open at some places and in packets at some places. Manufacturing and expiry date is written on this packet of jaggery. If you leave jaggery in the open for a long time, it may expire, which is not good for health.
You definitely use jaggery in some way or the other at home. When jaggery starts expiring, some signs are visible in it, knowing which you can avoid major danger.
1- If jaggery is kept at one place for a long time, mold or fungus starts appearing in it. If you are also using similar jaggery, then you should avoid eating it. Consuming this fungus-tainted jaggery can have adverse effects on health, so do not eat fungus-tainted jaggery even by mistake.
2- If you see jaggery being different from its normal color then it is a sign of its spoilage. The color of fresh jaggery is usually golden or light brown. Similarly, if the color of jaggery becomes darker with time or remains black, then its taste may change. The reason for change in color of jaggery is chemical process.
3- The texture of jaggery is hard and solid. If it changes into moist or sticky jaggery then it should not be consumed. It happens that bacteria and fungus are growing in jaggery. In such a situation, jaggery may start melting.
4- If there is a change in the taste and aroma of jaggery, then there are signs of spoilage. The taste of fresh jaggery is sweet and it also gives a sweet smell when eaten. But if the taste of jaggery is slightly sour or has strange bitterness then it can be spoiled.
Talking here, it is important to store jaggery properly. If jaggery is stored properly like keeping it in an airtight container and kept away from moisture, then it can remain good for 6 months to 1 year. It can last longer than this, but do not keep it for more years, it starts reducing the nutrients and taste. Apart from this, jaggery spoils quickly in hot and humid weather.
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To keep the jaggery safe, store it in an airtight container. Apart from this, keep it in a cool and dry place and also keep it away from sunlight. You can also keep it in the fridge. While buying jaggery, keep in mind that the jaggery should be fresh. One should always buy jaggery from a reliable shop.
