Food adulteration is harmful. And ghee is one of the foods that people tend to mix it up with unwanted substances. If you are doubtful about the quality of clarified butter, you can do tests to check the purity of ghee.
Ghee, a type of clarified butter, is often used to flavour rotis or Indian breads due to its distinct nutty flavour. It is widely consumed not just because of its taste, but also due to its potential health benefits. Made by simmering butter to remove its water content, milk solids, and impurities, ghee may aid in digestion, and boost immunity. But you can only enjoy the health benefits of the rich, golden-coloured, pure butterfat if it is not adulterated. Food adulteration is common, and manufacturers tend to mix starch or vegetable oil to ghee. It was just a few months ago that reports of authorities seizing more than 3,000 kg of adulterated ghee in a part of India, emerged. Worried about the quality of clarified butter you just bought? Go for these easy tests to check the purity of ghee at home.
How to check if your ghee is pure?
You can only reap the benefits of ghee if it is not adulterated. Here are some tests to check purity of ghee at home:
1. Freezing test
Place a small amount of ghee in a glass container and refrigerate it for a few hours. Pure ghee will solidify uniformly, but if the ghee solidifies with separate layers or does not solidify completely, it may be adulterated with oils made of soybean, coconut or sunflower.
2. Heating test
The heating method is another wonderful ghee test you can try! Heat a tablespoon of ghee in a pan over low heat. “In case of pure ghee, it will melt quickly then turn into a clear liquid. If it takes longer to melt, or leaves behind a residue, the ghee might be adulterated,” says the expert.
3. Iodine test
Add a few drops of iodine solution to a small amount of ghee. If the ghee turns blue, it indicates the presence of starch, which means it is adulterated and you should not consume it.
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4. Palm test
Place a small amount of ghee on your palm and see how it reacts to your body heat. Pure ghee will melt within a few seconds. If it remains solid or takes longer to melt, it may be mixed with vegetable oils or fats.
5. Solubility test
Want to know how to check purity of ghee with water? Dissolve a teaspoon of ghee in a glass of water. Pure ghee will float on the surface, but if it mixes with water or sinks to the bottom, it may be adulterated with oils.
6. Spoon test
Take a small spoonful of ghee and heat it over a flame. Pure ghee will melt completely and turn into a clear liquid with no residue. If there is a sticky residue or the smell is off, the ghee might be impure.
7. Taste test
Take a small amount of ghee and taste it. Pure ghee has a rich, nutty flavour with no aftertaste. “An oily or greasy aftertaste could indicate food adulteration,” says the expert.
8. Paper test
Place a drop of ghee on a white paper or cloth and leave it for a few minutes. Pure ghee will leave an oily stain that gradually disappears. If the stain persists or is unusually greasy, it could suggest the presence of vegetable oils.
Why should you avoid adulterated ghee?
Avoid adulterated ghee due to the following reasons:
- Adulterated ghee often contains additives like starch, hydrogenated fat, or other low-quality oils, which can lead to digestive problems such as indigestion, bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort.
- Adulterated ghee may contain unhealthy trans fats from hydrogenated oils, which can increase cholesterol levels and raise the risk of heart disease.
- Additives and contaminants in adulterated ghee can trigger allergic reactions, especially in people with sensitivities to certain chemicals or substances used during the adulteration process. Symptoms can range from mild rashes to severe respiratory issues.
- Pure ghee is rich in essential vitamins, and adulterated one lacks these nutrients, leading to potential deficiencies that can affect vision, bone health, immune function, and skin health.
- Adulterated ghee lacks the rich, authentic flavor of pure ghee, compromising the taste and quality of dishes. This can also affect the satisfaction and enjoyment of meals, leading to poor dietary habits.
Adulterated ghee has many side effects, so make sure the ghee you consume is pure and of high quality. But have it in moderation to enjoy its health benefits.
What are the health benefits of ghee?
Ghee offers several health benefits, particularly when consumed in moderation. Here are some of the benefits of ghee:
1. Rich source of healthy fats
Ghee contains medium-chain fatty acids, including butyric acid, which are easily digestible and can be used by the body for energy. Hundred grams of ghee has 61.924 grams of fatty acids, as per the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
2. May support digestive health
The butyric acid in ghee is beneficial for the health of the intestines. “It can help nourish the colon’s cells, reduce inflammation, and aid in the healing of the gut lining, making it beneficial for those with digestive issues,” says nutritionist Abhilasha V.
3. High in vitamins
Ghee is rich in vitamins A, E, and K, which are essential for various bodily functions, including vision, immune function, bone health, and skin health. Hundred grams of ghee has Vitamin A 840 micrograms of vitamin A, 2.8 mg of vitamin E, and 8.6 micrograms of vitamin K, as per the USDA.
4. Anti-inflammatory properties
The butyric acid in ghee has anti-inflammatory effects, as per a research published in the Advances in Nutrition journal in 2018. “This can help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially benefiting conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease,” says Abhilasha.
5. May boost immunity
Including ghee in diet may improve the immune function, as per a research published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine in January 2024.
“Its rich nutrient profile may support overall health and immunity,” says the expert.