Of course,
it makes sense that when coming to India one of the spice capitals of the world
you would want to take home a taste of Asia.
Be warned
and be careful where you buy your spices.
Although
the colourful displays at the market look appealing, remember, when subjected
to air and sunlight spices lose their flavour. You will no doubt be charged
double even more than you should be, but most importantly buying from markets
or roadside vendors can be suspect, to spices being contaminated. My advice would be, to go to a reputable
supermarket.
Below is
just an example of how spices are contaminated.
Turmeric,
Coriander powder, Red Chilies:
Turmeric is mixed with coloured chalk powder,
aniline dyes.
Sawdust is
added to both turmeric and coriander.
Red chilies are mixed with Red colour dye, paint powder and brick dust.
Argemone
seeds are regularly added.
Spice
Powder e.g. Masala mixes.
Synthetic colours.
Cinnamon Sticks:
Cassia bark is added.
Cumin seeds:
Grass seeds coloured with charcoal is mixed.
Rub them in your palm if they turn black, it indicates adulteration.
Pepper:
Pepper
powder is grinded with papaya seeds. Whole pepper is mixed with papaya seeds
which are very similar in size and colour but are relatively tasteless once
dried.
Saffron
If you put
a thread of real saffron in your mouth and it feels sweet, then it’s fake!
Tea:
Iron filings, coloured tea leaves.
No comments:
Post a Comment