How to Ensure the Purity of Chilli Powder at Home
Understanding the Importance of Pure Chilli Powder
In Indian cuisine, various spices play a crucial role, with red chilli powder being one of the most essential. The absence of red chilli can make Indian dishes taste bland, and it's hard to imagine these recipes without it. Not only does red chilli add heat to the food, but it also enhances the color of the dishes. When using high-quality red chilli powder, the food looks as good as it tastes. However, have you ever wondered if the chilli powder you are using is completely pure? Is there any adulteration present?
The Issue of Food Adulteration
Food adulteration is a common problem, and we have witnessed numerous incidents related to it. Consuming adulterated food can be harmful to health. Therefore, it is vital to purchase only pure food items from the market. But how can we determine if what we bought is genuine or adulterated? To assist with this, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a series on Twitter called #DetectingFoodAdulterants. This series provides tips on identifying adulteration in food products.
FSSAI's Initiative for Public Awareness
The FSSAI has initiated this series to raise awareness among the public and promote healthy eating habits. One of the highlights of this series is how to check the purity of red chilli powder. Often, vendors mix brick powder or sand into chilli powder, which can be detrimental to our health. Fortunately, you can easily test the purity of your chilli powder at home by following three simple steps.
Steps to Test Chilli Powder Purity
Step One: Take a glass of water.
Step Two: Add one teaspoon of red chilli powder to the water and wait for it to settle.
Step Three: Once the chilli powder has settled at the bottom, take it out and rub it between your palms. If you feel a gritty texture, it indicates the presence of brick powder or sand. Conversely, if it feels soapy and smooth, it suggests that soapstone has been added.
Watch the Testing Process
You can also view a video demonstrating this test here.
Final Thoughts
We hope you find this test useful. Next time you go shopping, consider buying a small quantity of red chilli powder first. If it passes this test, then you can confidently purchase a larger pack. Another effective way to avoid adulteration is to buy whole red chillies and grind them yourself at home or at the market. This will ensure you have the purest form of red chilli powder.