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Food adulteration is becoming an everyday issue in India, with reports of tainted ingredients like ghee, fruits, and now garlic. Garlic, a staple in Indian kitchens, recently made headlines when a video surfaced online showing fake garlic made from cement in Maharashtra’s Akola district. The clip, which showed a man peeling a garlic bulb that turned out to be rock-hard cement, went viral, leaving many shocked, especially as garlic prices continue to soar across the country.
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In such uncertain times, how can you be sure the garlic you buy is genuine? If you're concerned about getting duped, don't worry-there are practical ways to spot fake garlic.
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Here Are 6 Easy Tips to Identify Fake Garlic:
1. Examine Shape and Size:
Real garlic usually has bulbs that are uniformly shaped with well-stacked cloves. If you notice unusually large or small cloves, it could be a sign of tampering.
2. Inspect Colour:
Genuine garlic typically has an off-white hue with a hint of purple on the outer layers. If the garlic is too white or has a yellowish tint, it may have been artificially whitened.
3. Check Texture:
When you squeeze a garlic bulb, it should feel firm and intact. If it feels hollow or overly soft, it might have been injected with water, indicating it's not authentic.
4. Smell the Aroma:
Garlic's distinctive pungent smell is a reliable indicator. If the garlic lacks a strong aroma or smells chemical, it could be fake. Trust your nose – aroma is a key giveaway.
5. Try the Water Test:
Before purchasing, drop the garlic in water. Real garlic sinks immediately, while fake garlic may float. This simple test can help confirm authenticity.
6. Consider the Price:
With garlic prices on the rise, a deal that seems too good to be true might be just that – fake. It's better to pay a little extra for quality garlic than risk buying counterfeit products.
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Follow these tips the next time you shop for garlic, and ensure you're getting the best quality for your kitchen!