How to recognize fake tea: In India, tea is not only seen as a refreshing drink but also an emotion for many people. Here, not only today, but also relationships begin with tea. In such a situation, the news of adulteration in tea leaves is heartbreaking.
According to media reports, the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) recently conducted raids across the city and seized 3,000 kg of adulterated tea powder, 1,500 kg of expired tea powder and other items. Although this case came from one part of the country, it is possible that the tea leaf cheating game is going on in your city as well. In such a case, for the safety of you and your family, you should test the tea leaves preserved in your kitchen without any delay using the methods mentioned here. Identifying real and fake tea leaves in time can protect you from serious risks.
FSSAI easy test to detect adulteration in tea
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has provided some easy ways through which you can check the purity of tea at home.
Water test- Add one tablespoon of tea leaves to a cup of normal temperature water. If the tea is pure, the color of the water will not change. If there is adulteration, the water may be red or another color.
Filter paper test- Take the filter paper and spread the tea leaves on it. Wet it by spraying some water and then wash it with tap water. Now look at it in the light. If the tea is pure, no stains will appear. Black or brown spots may be seen in adulterated tea.
Color test- To perform this test, you will first have to prepare the tea. Making tea and seeing its color. The color of original tea is clear and bright, while the color of adulterated tea may appear cloudy or unusual.
Dissolution test- Put the tea leaves in the water. Pure tea leaves do not completely dissolve, they just swell. But adulterated tea can dissolve in water and turn into a powder.
Harmful effects of drinking adulterated tea
According to reports, there are many standards to verify the quality of tea, but fraud occurs in the markets. The fake colors and chemicals used in it can be hazardous to health. This may increase your blood pressure (hypertension). The liver and kidneys may be damaged. They may contain pesticides and chemicals, which can cause cancer, hormone imbalance and brain problems in the long term. In some people, it can also cause allergic reactions, such as itching, rash or, in severe cases, difficulty breathing. Therefore, it is very important to be careful when buying and drinking tea.
