Simple test to find the purity of turmeric !

Turmeric is such a common and powerful ingredient with so many medicinal properties, that we use it blindly thinking that all that is sold with good brand names should be pure, wish it was so ! Very often scrupulous traders, adulterate most of the products to earn that extra money at the cost of our health. So, for at least now, to test the purity of turmeric, few simple tests will tell you and it can be done by you in your own kitchen !

Turmeric often tends to have unwanted additives such as chalk powder or starch or sawdust and sometimes, it is made to look appealing with the help of synthetic colors. Adulteration in spices is a common situation in many countries and therefore, it pays to ensure that the turmeric you buy and eat is free from Metanil yellow or lead chromate which are some of the toxic chemicals.
Simple tricks that can help you check- 

Chalk powder: You can take a pinch of turmeric powder in a glass flask and add a few drops of water to it. Now add a few drops of hydrochloric acid, and if you see it to give off bubbles, it is indicative of the presence of yellow soap powder or chalk powder or both.   

Metanil yellow: A few drops of hydrochloric acid in a pinch of turmeric will also help you understand whether it has Metanil yellow. Add some water and shake the mixture as vigorously as you can. If you see the mixture to turn pink, then rest assured that it contains this unwanted additive. 

Adulterated turmeric root: Sometimes, we need turmeric root instead of the powder, and you will be surprised to know that it may also be coated with some unwanted substance. To test for it, you will have to place turmeric root on a piece of paper and pour some water on it. If you see it leaving color, it can be impure and polished to give the desired look. 

Simple water test: This is one of the easiest ways to find out if there is any adulteration. You will have to take some warm water in a glass and pour in little quantity of turmeric on the surface. Do not stir or mix it and leave it for around 20 to 30 minutes. If all the turmeric powder settles at the bottom of the glass and the water is crystal clear, then the turmeric is pure. If you find the water to turn cloudy, then change to another brand with the hope that it is pure, again test it !

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