Is your paneer authentic? Here are 5 easy ways to detect false paneer

Every two days, we see news about adulterated edible products that are sold openly in the market. From dals to spices, nothing is safe and should be very careful before buying them so as not to damage their health. Another product of this type is Paneer. A basic element in Indian cuisine, Paneer is loved by its soft texture and creamy flavor. However, with the growing risk of food adulteration, it is important to verify authenticity. If you are someone who frequently buy paneer packaged or purchased in the store, then there are some easy tips to verify their authenticity.

Also read:Can’t you decide between Butter Paneer and Shahi Paneer? 5 factors to help you choose

Here are 5 easy tips to detect false paneer

1. Verify your aroma and texture

If you have ever tried raw paneer at home, you would know how it has a different dairy smell. This is what distinguishes the real paneer of Fake Paneer. The authentic paneer has a new aroma with a firm but crumbled texture. Take a small piece and press between your fingers. If the Paneer feels gummy, too soft or does not have an exclusive dairy aroma, it can be false or adulterated.

2. Inspect the packaging

For packaging paneer, the label could be a great raffle of its authenticity. Always verify quality certifications such as the FSSAI brand. Look for specific terms such as “imitation” or “analogous” that manufacturers must show if the product is not made of pure dairy. This can help you make an informed decision.

3. Do a heating test

All you have to do is heat a small piece of paneer in a dry pan. The authentic paneer will be brown slightly and collapse in the pan, while the false paneer can melt unequally, release excess water or may also seem oily. This simple test can help you confirm the quality of the Paneer before incorporating it into your recipes.

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4. Use iodine to prove authenticity

Another way to test Paneer’s authenticity is to do a quick iodine test to know if it contains starch or not. Boil a piece of paneer, let it cool and then add a few drops of water tincture to the water. If you see that the solution becomes blue, it shows the presence of starch in your shop store.

5. Try the Arhar Dal test

For this test, the paneer must boil in water, cool it and then sprinkle a bit of dust arhar dal in the paneer. Let it stand for 10 minutes. If the paneer changes its color to a light red color, it is most likely that it is contaminated with harmful substances such as detergent or urea, which are sometimes used in adulteration.

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So, the next time you are not sure about the authenticity of your paneer, be sure to try these tests to avoid any health concern.