How to Check the Purity of Besan?
Besan, also known as gram flour, is a staple ingredient in Indian kitchens. From crispy pakoras and laddoos to face packs and home remedies, besan is used in countless ways. However, the growing demand for besan has unfortunately led to adulteration practices, where cheap or harmful substances are mixed with it to increase profit margins. Adulterated besan not only reduces the nutritional value but can also pose serious health risks.
Ensuring the purity of besan is essential for both safety and quality. In this article, we will explore why adulteration happens, what substances are commonly mixed with besan, and most importantly, how you can check the purity of besan at home with simple tests.
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Why is Besan Adulterated?
Besan is derived from grinding chana dal (Bengal gram). Since the cost of production can be high, some manufacturers or sellers may mix cheaper substitutes or synthetic colors click here to increase quantity and make it look more appealing. These malpractices may enhance profits but compromise the quality and safety of the flour.
The main reasons for adulteration are:
1. Cost Cutting: Mixing cheaper flours like maize, pea flour, or rice flour reduces cost.
2. Appearance Enhancement: Yellow coloring agents are often added to make besan look fresh and vibrant.
3. Increased Shelf Life: Some additives may be used to prevent spoilage.
4. Profit Margin: Unscrupulous traders bulk up products with fillers for extra earnings.
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Common Adulterants Found in Besan
1. Maize Flour or Rice Flour: Cheap flours that reduce the protein content.
2. Tapioca Flour (Sabudana Flour): Used to bulk up quantity.
3. Kesari Dal (Lathyrus sativus): A banned pulse that can cause paralysis if consumed regularly.
4. Artificial Colors (Metanil Yellow, Lead Chromate): Used to give a bright yellow appearance but highly harmful for health.
5. Chalk Powder: Sometimes mixed to increase weight and quantity.
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Health Risks of Consuming Adulterated Besan
• Artificial Colors: Chemicals like metanil yellow and lead chromate can damage kidneys, affect the nervous system, and even lead to cancer.
• Kesari Dal: Long-term consumption may cause lathyrism, leading to paralysis of the lower body.
• Chalk Powder or Starch: Can cause digestive issues, stomach pain, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Reduced Nutrition: Adulteration reduces the protein and fiber content, making besan less healthy.
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Simple Methods to Check the Purity of Besan at Home
The good news is that you don’t always need a lab to test besan. With simple kitchen ingredients, you can detect common adulterants. Here are some easy methods:
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1. Water Test (Detecting Starch or Other Flours)
• Take a glass of water.
• Add one teaspoon of besan and let it settle.
• Pure besan will not immediately dissolve and will settle at the bottom, leaving clear water.
• If adulterated with other flours, the water may turn cloudy or show a whitish layer on top.
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2. Iodine Test (Checking for Starch)
• Mix a spoonful of besan with water to make a paste.
• Add 2–3 drops of iodine solution (available in medical stores).
• If the paste turns blue-black, it indicates the presence of starch (rice flour, wheat flour, or tapioca).
• Pure besan will not show any color change.
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3. Turmeric Paper Test (Detecting Metanil Yellow Color)
• Dip a strip of turmeric paper (or cotton dipped in turmeric solution) in a besan paste.
• If the paper turns red, it indicates the presence of metanil yellow (a harmful synthetic color).
• Pure besan will not cause this change.
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4. Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) Test (Checking for Chalk Powder or Washing Soda)
• Take a small amount of besan in a bowl.
• Add a few drops of dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) carefully.
• If effervescence (fizzing/bubbling) occurs, it indicates the presence of chalk powder or washing soda.
• Pure besan will not react.
(Note: Handle HCl with care or consult a lab if not available at home.)
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5. Alcohol Test (Detecting Metanil Yellow)
• Mix 2 teaspoons of besan with 3 ml of alcohol and 10 drops of hydrochloric acid.
• Shake well.
• If the solution turns pink or purple, it confirms the presence of metanil yellow.
• Pure besan remains unchanged.
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6. Visual and Sensory Check
Sometimes, adulteration can be caught by simple observation:
• Color: Pure besan is pale yellow, not overly bright. If it looks unnaturally yellow, it may contain artificial colors.
• Texture: Pure besan has a smooth, fine texture. Adulterated ones may feel coarse or gritty.
• Smell: Fresh besan smells nutty. Any chemical-like or unusual odor may indicate adulteration.
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How to Ensure You Get Pure Besan
1. Buy from Trusted Brands: Always purchase besan from reputed companies that follow quality standards.
2. Check FSSAI Mark: Look for FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) certification on packaging.
3. Avoid Loose Besan: Unpacked besan is more prone to adulteration. Always prefer sealed packets.
4. Check Expiry Date: Old besan can lose freshness and may be mixed with preservatives.
5. Do Small Home Tests: Occasionally perform the above tests for assurance.
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Benefits of Consuming Pure Besan
• Rich in Protein: Excellent for vegetarians as a protein source.
• High in Fiber: Aids digestion and helps in weight management.
• Low Glycemic Index: Suitable for diabetics.
• Versatile Use: Works in cooking, skincare, and traditional remedies.
When adulterated, all these benefits reduce drastically.
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Government and FSSAI Measures Against Adulteration
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has set strict guidelines for food safety. Selling adulterated food is a punishable offense under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Random sampling and lab testing are carried out across the country to check for harmful additives. Consumers are also encouraged to report suspected adulteration through the FSSAI “Food Safety Connect” app.
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Conclusion
Besan is an integral part of our diet and culture, but adulteration poses a serious threat to health and well-being. Thankfully, with simple home tests such as the iodine test, turmeric paper test, and water test, you can check the purity of besan easily. Always prefer buying from trusted brands, check packaging labels, and stay alert to ensure you and your family consume only pure, nutritious besan.
Pure besan not only enhances taste but also provides vital nutrients for a healthy life. Taking a few minutes to test its purity can save you from harmful chemicals and health risks. After all, good health begins with safe food.