Watch: How To Detect Artificial Food Colouring In Turmeric

A potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory spice, turmeric is one of the most highly used in Indian households. It can help in treating joint tenderness and swelling along with reducing the joint pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Mixing turmeric in milk is one of the primary treatments sought by people in cases of cold and cough. According to a study by the BioMedical Central ( BMC) journal, people who have osteoarthritis have reported having less joint pain when eating turmeric in recipes.

However, adulteration is quite common in turmeric. Now, it has become difficult to distinguish between the adulterated and unadulterated turmeric available in the market. The unadulterated turmeric can be extremely harmful to your health. In such a situation, the Food Safety And Standards Authority Of India (FSSAI) has shared a video through which you can easily spot the difference between adulterated and unadulterated turmeric.

FSSAI is a government body which regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food articles, while also establishing standards to ensure food safety for the people. In the latest video, it has explained the stepwise process to detect artificial colour adulteration in turmeric. To cite the difference, firstly, you need to take two clean glasses of water. Now, add one spoonful of turmeric to each glass. Mix it well. After some time you will be able to spot the difference between adulterated and unadulterated turmeric as the former will leave a strong yellow colour in water. The authentic turmeric will produce a light yellow colour after getting mixed in water.

Another way to distinguish the difference between them involves placing a pinch of turmeric on the palm and massaging it with the thumb of your other hand. After rubbing it with your thumb for 10-20 seconds, if you notice yellow stains on your hand then the turmeric is pure else adulterated.