food
By Garima May 6, 2025
Genuine paneer is white, soft, and emits a fresh, milky aroma. If it appears yellowish, slimy, or has a sour or chemical smell, it may be adulterated.
Pure paneer feels soft and slightly crumbly. If it’s overly chewy, rubbery, or lacks a milky taste, it could be synthetic or contain additives.
Drop a small piece of paneer into water. Authentic paneer typically sinks, while adulterated versions may dissolve or break apart.
Boil a paneer sample, let it cool, and add a few drops of iodine tincture. A blue-black coloration indicates the presence of starch, suggesting adulteration.
After boiling paneer and allowing it to cool, add a small amount of arhar dal or soybean powder. If the mixture turns red within 10 minutes, it may contain harmful substances like detergents or urea.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto a paneer piece. If it fizzes or bubbles, it might contain chalk powder or calcium carbonate, indicating adulteration.
Heat a paneer piece in a pan without oil. Pure paneer will melt slightly without releasing excess oil. If it oozes oil, it may be made with vanaspati or palm oil.