How to identify fake paneer at home: 7 simple tests

             Written by: Mantasha

Paneer is a popular and nutritious staple in Indian vegetarian cuisine, often considered a superfood.

Bananas

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Its versatility makes it a go-to ingredient for delicious and healthy meals. But ensuring the purity of the paneer you consume is important.

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Adulterated paneer can be harmful to health. Thankfully, you can easily check for adulteration at home using simple tests. These quick methods help ensure your paneer is pure, fresh, and safe to eat.

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Pure paneer should be fresh, soft, and have a mild milky smell. Avoid paneer that looks discolored, slimy, or has a sour odor.

Look & Smell

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Genuine paneer is soft and easy to chew. If it feels rubbery or too tough, it may be adulterated.

Touch & Taste 

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 Drop a small piece in water. Pure paneer sinks, while adulterated paneer may dissolve or break apart.

Water Test 

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 Boil paneer for 5 minutes, let it cool, and add a few drops of iodine tincture. If it turns blue, it contains starch.

Iodine Test

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 Heat a piece in a pan without oil. Pure paneer melts without leaving excessive oil, while adulterated paneer may release extra fats.

 Heat Test 

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Boil paneer, let it cool slightly, and add arhar dal or soybean powder. If it turns red in 10 minutes, it may contain harmful chemicals.

Dal Powder Test 

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 Squeeze lemon juice on paneer. If it fizzes, it may have chalk or calcium carbonate.

Lemon Test 

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Use these simple tests to ensure you're eating pure, safe, and high-quality paneer every time!

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