5 Ingenious Ways to Catch a Fake Hing (Hing)

Food adulteration has unfortunately become all too common, affecting many kitchen staples every day. From ghee and cheese to milk and sweets, no ingredient seems safe anymore. Sadly, our favorite spices are no exception. Hung, also known as asafoetida, is a staple of Indian cooking, loved for its unique aroma and flavor, but is quite dangerous for adulteration. Used daily in dishes like dal tadka and aromatic curries, hing not only adds flavor but also aids in digestion. However, consuming adulterated hing can pose serious health risks to you and your loved ones. This is why it is important to know how to identify pure Hung. While finding fake hung in the sea of ​​options can seem daunting, these simple tips will help you buy authentic and fragrant hung every time.

Also read:Why should Hung be added to food? Nutritionist Lonit Batra answers this.

Here are 5 easy ways to catch a fake hangover:

1. Texture

If you’re familiar with spices commonly used in Indian cuisine, you’ll know that hing has a fine, powdery texture that dissolves easily in dishes. If it feels thick, it can be mixed with flour or other fillers. Some pseudotypes may also cluster together, which is a clear sign of inclusion. humidity or impurity. To test its texture, rub a small amount between your fingers. If it feels smooth, it’s good to use; If not, it’s time to discard it.

2. Smell

Hung is known for its strong, pungent aroma, which some people may find overpowering. An authentic hang should have this exact feature. If the smell is weak, faint, or feels artificial, it may not be pure. If you’re not sure about the smell, try adding a pinch of hing to the hot oil – it should smell strong. If it doesn’t, your hinge may be thin. Trust your nose to gauge the authenticity of the hang.

3. Color

Pure Hung usually has a yellow or light brown color, which is a sign of its authenticity. If it looks unusually white or has a contrasting color, it has starch, flour or other ingredients mixed in. While some brands use light shade to attract buyers, its unnatural vibrancy can be a red flag. To be sure, always compare the color with a trusted brand of product to spot the difference.

4. To dissolve

Here’s a simple kitchen experiment to test your hing: Mix a small amount of it with hot water. Pure Hung will dissolve evenly making the water slightly cloudy. On the other hand, fake or Blended The hinge may come together or remain at the bottom. This quick test works especially well for powder hangs, where the chance of adulteration is high.

5. Packaging

When the tips above don’t seem helpful, rely on established brands for quality and transparency. Authentic hing usually comes in airtight containers with clear labeling, including ingredient information. However, be wary of misleading specifications or unusually low prices, as they are often too good to be true. Another important factor to check is certification and manufacturing location.

Also read: This recipe for hung cumin potatoes makes an irresistible addition to any meal