The presence of fake or chemically treated fruits and vegetables in the market has increased at an alarming rate. These artificially treated products are not only deceptive in appearance but also harmful to health. Apples, in particular, are heavily tampered with. Traders reportedly use artificial chemicals, plastic coatings, and synthetic colours to make apples appear more attractive. A waxy layer is often applied to give them an unnatural shine. Regular consumption of such fruits could lead to serious long-term health issues. (News18 Hindi)
It’s not just apples; any fruit or vegetable that appears unusually shiny or has unnaturally dark colours might be chemically treated. While naturally grown apples have a gentle, natural sheen, fake ones appear overly glossy. This excessive shine is often a clear indicator of chemical coating. Buyers should be vigilant and aware of such signs when shopping. Rather than being swayed by visual appeal, one must learn to identify the authentic characteristics of natural produce. (News18 Hindi)
Examine the surface texture or pattern of the apple’s skin. Just like colour, these patterns can help determine the apple variety. Known as textures, they may appear striped, spotted, pinkish, smooth, rough, or uniformly coloured. For instance, if your apple is predominantly red with yellow stripes or spots, it may be a ‘Cameo’ or ‘Jona Gold’. If there’s more yellow than red, it’s likely a ‘Gala’ apple. These natural traits help distinguish real fruits from chemically altered ones. (News18 Hindi)
According to Food Safety Assistant Commissioner Dr Ved Prakash Mishra, real apples emit a sweet, natural fragrance. When you smell a genuine apple, you’ll notice its distinct, pleasant aroma. In contrast, fake or chemically treated fruits may smell of chemicals, have no scent at all, or emit an odd, unpleasant odour. So, make it a habit to smell fruits before buying as it is a simple yet effective way to detect authenticity. (News18 Hindi)
To further confirm authenticity, cut the apple in half and closely inspect the inside. Fake apples often show a mismatch between the outer and inner colour. The flesh may appear different or odd. Another trick is to drop a small piece into water. Natural apples, having higher density, will sink. However, fake apples coated with chemicals or wax tend to float, due to their reduced density. This test is a quick and reliable way to identify fakes. (News18 Hindi)
Opting for seasonal fruits and vegetables is not only beneficial but also safer. These items are less likely to be tampered with and are freshly harvested. Seasonal produce is widely available and packed with natural freshness. In contrast, off-season fruits are often stored for longer durations or treated to look fresh, increasing the risk of adulteration. (News18 Hindi)