Lifestyle Desk – Water chestnut flour is most commonly used for fruit diets during fasts like Navratri, Ekadashi, or Sawan. Puri, cheela, halwa, and pakoras made from it are delicious and provide long-lasting energy. This is why it has become a popular choice during fasts. However, amid growing demand, the sale of adulterated water chestnut flour in the market has also become a cause for concern.
In many places, water chestnut flour is sold mixed with cheaper arrowroot, refined flour, or other starches. This adulteration can not only affect the purity of the fast, but consuming it on an empty stomach can also cause digestive problems, gas, indigestion, and other health issues. Therefore, it is important to check the purity of the flour before purchasing it for fasting. Let’s learn how to identify water chestnut flour.
Pay attention to color and texture
Pure water chestnut flour is light brown or off-white in color. Its texture feels slightly coarse. If the flour appears too white, shiny, or extremely fine, it may be adulterated with arrowroot or another starch.
Identify by scent
Genuine water chestnut flour has a mild, natural, earthy aroma. If the flour has any artificial scent or no scent at all, its quality may be questionable.
Mix it with water and test it
Add a teaspoon of flour to a glass of water and mix well. Pure water chestnut flour settles slowly, while adulterated flour may cause the water to become thicker or some particles may appear to float differently.
Check even after cooking
Puri or cheela made from pure water chestnut flour has a slightly crisp texture and a natural flavor. If the taste is unusual or the texture is too sticky, it may be adulterated.
Keep these things in mind when buying
- Always buy water chestnut flour from a trusted brand or a reliable shop.
- If you are buying packed flour, then definitely check the packaging, manufacturing date and expiry date.
- Avoid buying very cheap flour, because in the name of low price the chances of getting adulterated product increase.
- If possible, buying whole water chestnuts and getting them ground in a reliable mill can be a better option.
Caution is necessary for both health and faith
During fasting, people consume pure and sattvic food, so it’s important to pay special attention to the quality of food. Adulterated water chestnut flour can not only affect health, but many people also consider it inappropriate from a religious perspective. Therefore, by taking a little caution, you can make your fast safe, pure, and healthy.
If you’re going to buy water chestnut flour for fasting this time, be sure to check it using these simple methods. Choosing the right product will not only improve your taste buds but also provide the body with the necessary energy throughout the day.