Lifestyle Desk: As the winter season approaches, the use of jaggery in food increases. Some like to eat it with roti while others make jaggery tea, laddu, chikki and other sweets. Jaggery is also considered a better alternative to sugar, because it contains small amounts of iron, potassium and other minerals. However, it is not necessary that every jaggery available in the market is pure. Many times, different types of adulteration can be done to give jaggery an attractive color, shine and to increase its weight.
In such a situation, it is important to identify jaggery while purchasing it. The purity of jaggery cannot be judged just by looking at its colour. Let us know what five things should be kept in mind while buying jaggery.
Initial identification of jaggery by looking at its color
While buying jaggery, first pay attention to its color. Generally the color of natural jaggery can range from light golden yellow to dark brown. Its color depends on the sugarcane juice, preparation process and cooking method. You should be alert if you see very bright yellow or unusually white jaggery. However, jaggery cannot be called pure or adulterated merely on the basis of dark or light colour. Therefore, along with the color, also check its texture and other characteristics.
Pay attention to the texture of jaggery
Good quality jaggery generally has a solid texture. It should not feel too sticky or wet when taken in hand. If there is too much moisture in the jaggery, then there is a possibility of it spoiling quickly. Apart from this, if soil, dust, small stones or other foreign particles are visible in the jaggery, then avoid buying it. The piece of jaggery should be clean and normally solid.
Guess by taste and smell also
Pure jaggery has a mild natural aroma and sweetness like that of sugarcane juice. Its taste is generally sweet, which may also have a slight caramel flavor.
If you feel excessive bitterness, saltiness or strange taste while eating jaggery, then avoid eating it. Similarly, if jaggery has any unnatural or chemical smell, then it is better not to buy it. However, taste and aroma are also not sure tests of adulteration.
Avoid buying too much shiny jaggery
Sometimes the surface of jaggery is made shiny to make it visually attractive. In some cases, unwanted substances can also be used for this. Therefore, be alert if you see jaggery that is too shiny or of unusual colour. While buying jaggery, look carefully at its upper surface. If white powdery layer, unusual spots or dirt is visible on it then avoid buying it. Keep in mind that even naturally made jaggery may vary in color and shine.
Check packing, labels and quality
While buying jaggery, definitely check its packing and label. The packet should contain the date of manufacture, expiry date, name of the manufacturer and other important information. If you are buying packed jaggery then also check the FSSAI license number. Always buy jaggery from a trusted shopkeeper or a certified seller. Dust, flies and dirt can accumulate on jaggery kept in the open. Therefore, it is better to buy jaggery kept in a clean place.
Can we check the purity of jaggery by dissolving it in water?
Many people believe that the purity of jaggery can be determined by dissolving it in water. For this, a small piece of jaggery is put in water and tried. If soil or other insoluble particles settle down in water, it can be considered a sign of impurity. However, this home method is not a sure test for adulteration. Some adulteration can also dissolve in water. Therefore one should not depend only on this method.
Keep in mind that while buying jaggery, check its colour, taste, aroma and texture, but adulteration cannot be confirmed just by looking. In case of doubt, the best option is to get tested from the Food Safety Department or a recognized laboratory.