A handful of people play with the health of millions just because they want to earn some extra $$$. It is an utterly shameful act. To achieve something by putting humanity on the line is simply disgraceful. Welcome to modern times, almost everything now is adulterated. Turmeric is no exception. The adulteration is in the form of Sawdust, Rice flour, Starch, Chalk powder, Lead (II and IV) oxide and even Acid yellow 36.
Still, we have a choice to buy the product, only if you like it. We can exercise this to stay away from adulterated food. There are ways to detect if a particular spice is natural and organic or adulterated.
Without further ado, let us get to the ways to determine the turmeric adulteration.
1. Color of Turmeric
The first thing to look for while buying the turmeric is color. NEVER buy the turmeric with Bright Yellow Color. The original and the natural color of the turmeric is Saffron.
Make turmeric powder at home and can check it for yourself. Buy the raw turmeric rhizomes (roots) and follow the process below:
Step 1
Put enough water in a pan/utensil to dip the rhizomes in entirely but not more. Boil it for 40 minutes.
Step 2
Rinse out the water. Let rhizomes cool. Cut into small pieces.
Step 3
Dry it. You can put it into the direct sunlight/light for 10-12 days
Alternatively, bake it into the oven at 175-200°F for 1:30-2 hrs (this method makes the turmeric less effective compared to direct sunlight method).
Step 4
Grind the dried turmeric and see the color. That is the natural color of turmeric- Saffron.
** You may want to wear the gloves, as the turmeric color will not go off your hand for a day or two.
2. Taste
So, you have bought the saffron-colored turmeric. What if it’s still adulterated? Worry not! Taste it. If it tastes even slightly acrid or tangy, throw it in the garbage. The real taste of the turmeric is neutral to very slightly bitter.
3. Buy the Brands certified with International organic certifications to avoid turmeric adulteration.
EU, USDA, NSOP are few, and then you can check for ISO. However, you still cannot be sure. It is best to make your own turmeric powder from turmeric rhizomes.
At the end,
Remember, impure spice or food can do more harm than good. Every brand says they are the best but always be particular and aware of the quality of the food you buy. But you know the ways to detect turmeric adulteration now.
In addition, not everything you see on the T.V advertisements is real and 100% actual. DO NOT make life decisions, small or big, based on these ads.
