Adulterated Watermelon: The summer sun is burning. As the temperatures soar before the arrival of April, people turn to watermelons for relief. However, not all watermelons available in the market are naturally ripe. Experts warn that some traders are using dangerous injections to make the inside look red, apart from ripening faster. In this context, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has provided some key tips to detect watermelon adulteration.
Tissue Paper Test: Find out if the color has mixed!
A chemical called ‘erythrosine’ is used to make watermelon red. It is easy to spot. After cutting the watermelon take a small cotton ball or tissue paper. Place the tissue on the red area and rub it gently. If the tissue paper turns red then it should be considered adulterated watermelon. If the color does not change, it is considered to be naturally ripened.
Carbide adulteration.. Yellow spots are dangerous!
Carbide is used to speed up the ripening of watermelons, as is the case with mangoes. If there are yellow spots on the top of the watermelon, it should be suspected that the fruit has been ripened with chemicals. If such a fruit is bought, it is better to wash it thoroughly with salt water before eating it.
Note the injection holes
Before buying a watermelon, carefully examine its rind. Small holes appearing on the fruit may be injection marks. These holes are used to pass chemicals inside. So, it is better for your health not to buy fruits with holes.
Benefits of Watermelon:
Naturally ripened watermelon is rich in nutrients required by the body.
Water Content: Protects against dehydration caused by the sun.
Nutrients: Provides fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin A and C.
Eat watermelon for health in summer.. but food experts suggest that the above mentioned precautions must be followed in case of adulteration.
