Jaggery is an integral part of Indian kitchen. It is considered a symbol of sweetness and nutrition. But is the jaggery bought from the market pure? Let us know how to identify real and fake jaggery.
Jaggery is an integral part of the Indian kitchen. It is considered a symbol of sweetness and nutrition. From Makar Sankranti's tilgud laddu to Diwali's laddu and chakki, jaggery has its place in every sweet. But is the jaggery bought from the market pure? This question comes to the mind of every customer, because nowadays adulteration in jaggery has become common in the market.
Due to adulteration, jaggery loses its natural quality and it can be dangerous for health. In such a situation, it becomes very important to identify pure jaggery. Let us know some easy ways by which you can identify real and fake jaggery.
1. Pay attention to the color.
Pure jaggery is light brown or golden yellow in color. If the color of jaggery looks too bright and attractive, then there is a possibility of artificial color being added to it. To test this, dissolve a small piece in water. If the color of the water changes, then color has been added to it. Pure jaggery dissolves in water without leaving any color.
2. Identifying adulteration of chalk powder and soda
Sometimes chalk powder or washing soda is added to increase the weight of jaggery. To identify this, dissolve a piece of jaggery in water. If a white residue appears at the bottom of the water, it may be adulterated. Pure jaggery dissolves completely and leaves no residue.
3. Check the texture and hardness
The texture of jaggery also indicates its purity. Pure jaggery is slightly soft, easily broken and slightly sticky. On the other hand, fake jaggery may feel more hard and grainy, because sugar crystals or other chemicals are added to it.
4. Identification of sulfur compounds
Sulfur compounds are used to make jaggery look attractive and increase its shelf life. To check this, dissolve jaggery in water and add a few drops of hydrochloric acid to it. If foam or bubbles are formed, it may indicate adulteration with sulfur.
5. Pay attention to the taste and smell
. Pure jaggery tastes sweet and has a slight earthy smell. If the jaggery tastes too sweet, chemical or pungent, it may be adulterated.
6. Check melting properties
Pure jaggery melts evenly on heating and forms a thick liquid. Fake jaggery may leave sugar crystals or residues when melted.
FSSAI's advice
According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), pure jaggery is always dark in colour. It is advisable to avoid the golden yellow jaggery sold in the market. According to FSSAI, adulteration not only destroys the nutritional quality of jaggery, but it is also dangerous for health.
