Paneer, a staple in many Indian households, is not just a delicious source of protein but also a vital ingredient in a variety of dishes—from curries to snacks. However, with increasing concerns about food adulteration, it’s essential to know whether the paneer you’re consuming is real or fake. Fake or adulterated paneer can not only spoil your recipes but also pose serious health risks. Fortunately, there are some simple tricks you can use at home to identify real paneer.
Here are a few reliable and easy ways to check the authenticity of paneer:
1. The Texture Test
Real Paneer:
Feels soft and smooth to the touch.
Has a slightly grainy texture but is not rubbery.
Breaks apart easily without much force.
Fake or Adulterated Paneer:
Feels excessively hard or rubbery.
Does not crumble or break easily.
Might feel unusually slippery.
2. The Smell Test
Real Paneer:
Has a fresh, milky aroma.
Should not have any sour or pungent smell.
Fake Paneer:
May have a chemical-like or sour smell.
Can sometimes smell like detergent or synthetic substances due to adulterants.
3. The Boiling Test
How to Do It:
Take a small piece of paneer and boil it in water for about 5–10 minutes.
Real Paneer:
Remains soft even after boiling.
Does not leave any residue or change the color of water.
Fake Paneer:
Becomes hard or rubbery.
Water may turn milky or yellowish, indicating the presence of starch or synthetic additives.
4. The Turmeric Test (To Detect Starch)
How to Do It:
Take a small paneer sample.
Add a few drops of iodine or turmeric solution.
Real Paneer:
No colour change with turmeric.
Iodine stays yellowish or slightly darkens.
Fake Paneer:
If it contains starch, turmeric may turn red or orange.
Iodine will turn blue-black, a clear sign of starch presence.
5. The Lemon Test (To Test for Synthetic Milk)
How to Do It:
Mix a small quantity of paneer in hot water and add a few drops of lemon juice.
Real Paneer:
May dissolve slightly and release a natural milky smell.
Water remains clear or slightly cloudy.
Fake Paneer:
Water may become excessively cloudy or oily.
May emit a foul smell, indicating use of synthetic milk.
6. Burn Test (Optional and Requires Caution)
Safety Note: Only do this with proper ventilation and care.
How to Do It:
Burn a small piece of paneer using a lighter or match.
Real Paneer:
Burns like organic matter and smells like burnt milk.
Fake Paneer:
May emit a plastic-like or chemical odor when burned—indicating adulteration with synthetic substances.
With these simple at-home tests, you can protect your health and ensure that the paneer you consume is genuine and safe. Always try to buy paneer from trusted sources or make it fresh at home using good-quality milk. Remember, your health starts with what you eat, and being an informed consumer is your first step toward wellness.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, it’s best to make paneer at home using full-cream milk and lemon or vinegar—it’s fresh, safe, and tastes far better than most store-bought options!
(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)