Be Careful Of Adulterated Tea In Market, 4 Simple Tests To Check Its Purity At Home

Chai has a special place in the heart of every Indian. Being an essential part of daily life, it not only refreshes your body but also provides energy. But what if the tea you're drinking is not what it seems? A recent case in Hyderabad has raised concerns about tea adulteration. On October 8, 2024, Telangana’s Commissioner of Food Safety, in collaboration with the Central Zone Task Force of Hyderabad City Police, seized 300 kilograms of adulterated loose tea powder from a wholesale shop in Fateh Nagar, Hyderabad. Also Read:

On October 8, 2024, Telangana’s Commissioner of Food Safety, in collaboration with the Central Zone Task Force of Hyderabad City Police, seized 300 kilograms of adulterated loose tea powder from a wholesale shop in Fateh Nagar, Hyderabad. The investigation revealed that low-quality tea powder was being mixed with coconut shell powder, toxic chemicals and artificial flavours. The adulterated tea was then packaged and sold at higher prices to tea stalls across the city, putting consumers' health at risk. Authorities confiscated 300 kilograms of loose tea powder, 200 kilograms of coconut shell powder and several kilograms of non-food-grade colour additives and artificial flavours such as chocolate, cardamom, and milk. With cases like this making headlines, it’s important to know how to check the quality of tea at home. Simple Home Tests to Check Tea Purity Water Test Add a teaspoon of tea leaves to a glass of room-temperature water. Pure tea leaves will not change the colour of the water, while adulterated tea may turn the water red or show signs of artificial colouring. Filter Paper Test

Spread some tea leaves on a filter paper and sprinkle water to dampen it. Rinse the paper under tap water and observe it against light. Pure tea leaves will leave no stains, while adulterated leaves will show blackish-brown stains on the paper. Colour Test Brew a cup of tea and observe the colour of the liquid. Authentic tea will have a clear and vibrant hue. Adulterated tea may produce a cloudy or unnaturally colored brew due to impurities. Solubility Test Add tea leaves to a glass of water. Pure tea leaves will not dissolve; they may swell but remain intact. Adulterated tea, on the other hand, may disintegrate into powder when stirred in water.