Is your besan pure? Easy home tests to detect adulteration

Common adulterants in besan

1. Other flours

Besan is often mixed with cheaper flours such as:

• Maize flour
• Yellow pea flour
• Rice flour
• Kesari dal flour (Lathyrus sativus)

While some of these may not be harmful, Kesari dal flour contains neurotoxins that can cause paralysis when consumed in large quantities.

2. Synthetic dyes

To make besan appear brighter and more appealing, some sellers add synthetic dyes, such as metanil yellow—a carcinogenic azo dye that can have severe health consequences if consumed regularly.

Simple home tests to detect adulteration in besan

If you suspect that the besan you are using is not pure, you can test it at home using the following simple methods:

1. Test tube test for metanil yellow (Synthetic dye)

What you need:

• 1 gm of besan
• 3 ml of water
• 2 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Steps:

• Add 1 gm of besan to a test tube.
  Pour 3 ml of water into the test tube.
• Add 2 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl) and mix.
• Observe the colour change.

Results:

If the mixture turns pink, it indicates the presence of metanil yellow, meaning the besan is adulterated

If there is no colour change, the besan is pure.

2. Visual inspection for foreign flours

What you need:

• A small amount of besan
• Water

Steps:

• Take a teaspoon of besan and rub it between your fingers.
• If it feels extra coarse or grainy, it may contain added maize or rice flour.
• Mix a small quantity of besan in water and let it sit for a few minutes.
• If residue settles at the bottom, it indicates the presence of heavier flours like rice or maize.

3. Flour texture test for Kesari dal adulteration

What you need:

• A small amount of besan
• Water

Steps:

• Take a pinch of besan and mix it with a few drops of water to make a paste.
• Rub the paste between your fingers.
• If it feels excessively sticky, it might be adulterated with Kesari dal flour.

Why is besan adulterated?

Adulteration is often done for economic gain, allowing sellers to:

• Increase the weight and volume of the product with cheaper fillers.
• Enhance colour and appearance to make besan look fresh.
• Reduce production costs while maximising profits.

However, consuming adulterated besan regularly can lead to serious health problems, including digestive issues, toxicity, and even neurological disorders.

Detecting adulteration in besan at home is simple and requires only basic ingredients. By performing these quick tests, you can ensure that the besan you consume is pure, safe, and free from harmful substances.

Always try to buy besan from trusted sources and opt for organic or certified brands to reduce the risk of adulteration. A little awareness and precaution can go a long way in protecting your health and well-being!

Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy the goodness of pure besan in your favourite recipes!