- By Iram Hussain
- Wed, 07 May 2025 09:31 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mustard oil holds a revered place in Indian households, prized for its multifaceted uses and impressive array of health benefits. This healthy and tasty alternative to other oils is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which supports heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and boosting good cholesterol levels. Its natural antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective remedy for skin and hair care. However, despite its high demand, mustard oil has also fallen prey to adulteration.
The market is flooded with fake or cheap oil mainly palm oil mixed with genuine mustard oil, compromising its quality and taste. This adulteration not only spoils the flavour of food but also poses serious health risks. Here, we've compiled some easy tests that you can conduct at your home to identify adulteration in mustard oil (edible oil).
Simple Tests To Check Purity Of Mustard Oil
Freezing Test
To detect adulteration in mustard oil, try the simple freezing test. Refrigerate a sample of oil for a few hours. If it freezes or white spots appear, it's likely adulterated. Pure mustard oil remains liquid even in cold temperatures. This quick test helps identify compromised quality.
Blotting Paper Test
Conducting a blotting paper test is another reliable method to verify the oil's purity. Place a single drop of oil on a white blotting paper and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Pure mustard oil leaves a light even stain whereas adulterated oil produces a dark, greasy or uneven patch which indicates adulteration.
Smell Test
One of the easy tests to identify genuine mustard oil is the simple sniff test. Pure mustard oil boasts a distinctive, sharp and pungent aroma. If the oil emits a mild, sweet or artificial fragrance, it may be compromised.
Ways to find adulteration in mustard oil (Image Credits: Canva)
Hands-On Test
A hands-on test can help verify the authenticity of mustard oil. Gently rub a small amount of oil on your hands. If the oil releases a colour or emits a chemical smell, it's likely fake. Genuine mustard oil won't exhibit any of these characteristics.
Observe The Colour
A crucial indicator of adulteration in mustard oil is a change in its natural colour. Be cautious as argemone oil is often mixed with mustard oil, introducing a toxic compound called sanguinarin. Observe the oil's hue; pure mustard oil has a distinct brownish-yellow colour while adulterated oil may appear pale yellow or have an unusual tint.