If used in moderation, jaggery can be used in our food as a great source of iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and Vitamin C. Consuming jaggery helps to compensate for the nutrient deficiency in the body and strengthens the digestive system. In addition, jaggery also helps in controlling blood pressure in the body.
But how do you know what is available in the market is real jaggery? That's a question that perplexes many, for traders indulge in various types of adulteration in jaggery to make some quick bugs. But don’t worry try these methods at home to know whether the jaggery you just bought is pure or not:
Check the colour
Usually, dark brown or black jaggery should be chosen. Dark-coloured jaggery is free of chemicals. This is because when the juice of sugarcane is boiled, the dark brown mixture used to make jaggery is left. Adding chemicals to this mixture will reduce the dark colour of jaggery.
To check its quality, take half a teaspoon of jaggery. Add six ml of alcohol to it and mix well. Then add 20 drops of hydrochloric acid. If the jaggery changes to pink colour, it means that artificial colours have been added to it.
Check the taste
To know if jaggery is genuine or fake, taste it. True jaggery is extremely sweet. Fake jaggery can have discolouration and a bitter or salty taste.
Put in water
Take a glass of pure water. Add 10 grams of sample to it. If chalk is mixed in jaggery, the white powder can be seen accumulating under the glass.