Now it’s easy to identify adulterated ghee at home. Discover 10 simple home methods to differentiate between real and fake ghee in just 5 minutes. Complete guide available in Hindi.
[ADD TO CART]
🔹 Introduction
In India, there are many ghee brands available, and people also sell ghee online. But how many of them are truly pure and authentic? We don’t really know. Today, we will learn how to test the purity of ghee at home.
Ghee is not only used in cooking in India but also in rituals, Ayurveda, and beauty treatments. However, in today’s time, adulterated ghee is being widely sold in the market, which can be extremely harmful to health.
In this blog, we will share 10 easy home methods to identify adulterated ghee, so that you can test its purity in just 5 minutes without any lab test.
🔥 1. Hot Water Test – The Easiest Way to Identify Adulterated Ghee
The hot water test is one of the simplest and most effective methods to check whether your ghee is pure or adulterated. To perform this test, take a transparent glass and fill it halfway with warm or hot water. Now, add one teaspoon of the ghee you want to test. Observe carefully how the ghee behaves in the water.
Pure desi ghee will start to melt slowly and float on the surface in a uniform layer. It won’t mix with water and will retain its golden or yellowish color. You might also notice a pleasant natural aroma typical of pure cow ghee.
On the other hand, if the ghee is adulterated, it may either start settling at the bottom or break into smaller particles that scatter in the water. It might mix partially and cause a cloudy or whitish appearance. This usually indicates the presence of vanaspati, refined oil, or other harmful fillers.
This test is quick, requires no chemicals or equipment, and can be done in less than 5 minutes. It gives you a basic but reliable idea about the purity of ghee right at home. For everyday consumers, this is a must-try method to protect their family’s health from adulterated ghee.
2. Palm Rub Test – Traditional Desi Method to Identify Adulterated Ghee
The palm rub test is an age-old and highly trusted method used in Indian households to check the purity of ghee. It requires no tools—just your sense of touch and smell. To perform this test, take a small amount of ghee (about half a teaspoon) in your palm and start rubbing it gently between both palms for a few seconds.
If the ghee is pure, it will melt quickly due to body heat and release a mild, pleasant aroma that resembles the natural scent of cow milk or butter. This aroma is unique to pure desi cow ghee and is easily recognizable, especially for those who are familiar with homemade ghee.
However, if the ghee is adulterated, it may not melt easily and might feel sticky or greasy. The fragrance will either be too strong, artificial, or unpleasant—similar to vanaspati or synthetic oils. Sometimes, chemical-like odors indicate the presence of artificial flavoring agents or harmful additives.
This test not only helps in identifying adulterated ghee but also reconnects us with the traditional knowledge passed down through generations. It’s a simple and effective way to ensure that the ghee you consume is safe and truly pure—right in the comfort of your home.
✅ 3. Cold Temperature Test – Check Purity by Refrigerating Ghee
The cold temperature test is another easy and practical way to detect adulterated ghee at home. To perform this test, take a small bowl or container and place a few teaspoons of ghee in it. Then, keep it in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 hours. After refrigeration, observe the texture, color, and uniformity of the ghee.
If the ghee is pure, it will solidify evenly and have a uniform, smooth texture. The color will remain consistent throughout, typically a pale yellow or off-white shade depending on the type of cow milk used. There will be no separation of layers or discoloration.
However, if the ghee is adulterated, it may show signs of separation after refrigeration. You might see different layers forming, such as a thick white layer on top and a yellowish or oily layer at the bottom. This is a strong indication that something has been mixed with the ghee, such as vanaspati, refined oil, or animal fat.
This test is helpful because different fats solidify at different temperatures. By using your fridge, you can easily observe these differences and determine whether your ghee is pure or not—all without any lab equipment.
4. Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) and Sugar Test – Scientific Way to Detect Adulterated Ghee
The Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) and Sugar Test is a simple but scientific method to detect adulterated ghee at home. This test helps identify the presence of mineral oil or animal fats, which are often added to ghee to increase quantity and reduce cost.
To perform this test, take a small glass test tube or a transparent glass. Add one teaspoon of melted ghee into it. Then, add a pinch of sugar followed by a few drops of Hydrochloric Acid (HCl). Shake the mixture gently and allow it to settle for a minute.
If the ghee is adulterated, the lower layer of the solution will turn red or pinkish, indicating the presence of mineral oil or animal fats. On the other hand, pure ghee will not react with the acid and the mixture will remain unchanged in color.
Important Note: Since Hydrochloric Acid is a chemical, it should be handled with care. Wear gloves, avoid inhaling fumes, and keep it away from children. If you’re unsure, this test should be done under supervision or by someone with basic knowledge of handling chemicals.
This test offers a reliable indication of adulterated ghee, especially when done carefully and correctly.
5. Iodine Test – Detecting Starch Adulteration in Ghee
The iodine test is a quick and effective method to detect starch adulteration in ghee, especially in cases where sellers mix flour or starchy substances to increase weight and volume. This is a common form of milavati ghee (adulterated ghee) that can harm your health and lower the nutritional value of pure ghee.
To perform the iodine test, take a teaspoon of melted ghee in a clean glass bowl. Let it cool down to room temperature. Now add a few drops of iodine solution (also known as tincture iodine) to the ghee. Observe the color change carefully.
If the ghee is pure, there will be no color change at all. However, if the ghee is milavati (adulterated) with starch, you will notice a blue or purple coloration upon adding iodine. This happens due to a chemical reaction between starch and iodine, confirming the presence of unwanted fillers.
This test is especially helpful when buying loose or unpackaged ghee from the local market. Identifying milavati ghee through this method is easy and doesn’t require any lab equipment. It is a smart, home-friendly technique to ensure that the ghee you consume is free from starch and truly pure.
6. Identifying Milavati Ghee by Its Smell and Color
One of the most traditional and sensory-based ways to detect milavati ghee (adulterated ghee) is through its smell and color. Pure desi cow ghee has a naturally rich, slightly nutty aroma that is pleasant and recognizable, especially to those who have used homemade ghee. The color of pure ghee is typically golden yellow, sometimes pale yellow, depending on the diet of the cow and the method of preparation.
In contrast, milavati ghee often gives off a strong artificial or chemical-like smell. This happens because it may contain added fragrances, synthetic essences, or vanaspati (hydrogenated oil) to mimic the aroma of real ghee. The smell can be overly sharp, unpleasant, or even greasy.
Visually, adulterated ghee may appear unusually white, overly bright yellow, or have uneven coloring. Sometimes, it may look too glossy or sticky, which indicates the presence of refined oils or fats. If the ghee loses its natural aroma after heating or gives off a burnt smell, it’s another red flag.
Using your senses is one of the quickest ways to spot milavati ghee. While not 100% conclusive, smell and color offer immediate clues about whether the ghee you’re using is truly pure or has been adulterated.
7. Flame Test – Check Adulterated Ghee by Lighting It
Make a small diya (lamp), fill it with ghee, and light a cotton wick:
Pure ghee produces a steady, strong flame.
-
Adulterated ghee gives off excessive smoke or flickers constantly.
This test is especially useful in prayer rooms, where ghee is traditionally used for lamps.
8. Ice Test – Instant Detection of Adulterated Ghee
Take an ice cube and place a small amount of ghee on it:
-
Pure ghee will stay on the ice and melt slowly.
-
Adulterated ghee will melt instantly and behave like water.
This method is perfect for testing ghee bought from the market quickly and easily.
9. Melting Point Check
-
Pure ghee melts at around 35–38°C.
-
Adulterated ghee melts at a much lower or higher temperature.
If you have a kitchen thermometer, this test can help you verify the purity of ghee with greater accuracy.
10. Watch for Health Effects of Adulterated Ghee
If you experience the following symptoms after consuming ghee:
-
Stomach pain
-
Indigestion
-
Headache
-
Skin allergies
…it could be a sign that you are consuming milavati (adulterated) ghee.
Milavati ghee often contains trans fats and synthetic chemicals, which are harmful to the body.
How to Avoid Adulterated Ghee – Tips for Consumers
-
Buy ghee from local, trusted cow farmers.
-
Check for food license and lab test reports.
-
Always read the packaging and expiry date carefully.
-
Review the brand’s website and customer feedback.
Making ghee at home is the best way to ensure 100% purity.
Conclusion
Adulterated ghee is not just a waste of money—it can seriously affect your health. With the 10 home tests shared in this blog, you can easily find out whether the ghee in your kitchen is pure or fake. Take just 5 minutes to protect your family’s health from harmful milavati ghee.
Bonus: Looking for Pure Ghee?
Choose Aasutosh Ghee, handmade from desi cow milk – a promise of purity you can trust.