बाजार में असली पनीर के नाम पर तो नहीं खरीद रहे एनालॉग पनीर? घर पर ऐसे करें पहचान

Fake Paneer Test At Home: Paneer is one of the most loved dairy products in Indian homes. Many types of dishes are made from it, from Matar Paneer to Shahi Paneer, Paneer Tikka and Palak Paneer. But while buying cheese in the market, it is not right to assume it to be genuine just by seeing its white color and soft texture. These days, analog cheese i.e. such a cheese-like product is also in discussion, in which vegetable oil or other fat can be used instead of milk fat. In this, along with some elements obtained from milk, starch, emulsifier or other food ingredients can also be used.

It may look similar to normal cheese, so it is not always easy to differentiate between the two by eye alone. The most reliable way is to read the ingredients and the name of the product written on the packet. Iodine test can be done at home to check adulteration of starch, but it is important to understand one thing here that iodine test only indicates the presence of starch. This does not prove that the cheese is analog cheese. Let us understand in simple language what is analog cheese and what things should be kept in mind while buying it.

After all, what is analog cheese?
Normal cheese is prepared from the solid part of milk by curdling it. At the same time, different ingredients can be used to give cheese-like texture and taste to analog paneer. In this, vegetable oil or other fat can be used instead of milk fat. Apart from this, milk protein, milk powder, starch and other food ingredients can also be a part of its recipe. It is not necessary that the ingredients of every analog cheese be the same. Different manufacturers may use different formulations. Therefore, it would not be right to make similar claims about every analog cheese by looking at any one ingredient. It is most important in this matter to read the information given on the packet.

First read the contents written on the packet
If you are buying packaged paneer, the easiest way to identify it is to read the ingredients list. Do not buy the packet just by looking at the name written in big letters on the front. Apart from milk and milk solids, if vegetable oil, vegetable fat, palm oil, starch or other such ingredients are visible in the ingredients, then carefully check the name and category under which the product is being sold. Along with this, also check the nutrition information given on the packet, name of the manufacturer, license related information, manufacturing and expiry date. Labels are not available on loose cheese, hence it becomes more important to buy it from a trusted shop.

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How to test starch with iodine?
Iodine test is a well-known home method to check the presence of starch in cheese. For this, a small sample of cheese is taken and a few drops of iodine solution is added to it and the change in color is observed. If starch is present, a dark blue or blue-black color may appear upon contact with iodine. This may indicate the presence of starch in the cheese.

However, this test also has a limitation. If starch is found in the test, it cannot be directly said that it is analog cheese. Similarly, absence of starch does not prove that any other fat has not been used in place of milk fat. Lab testing may be required to confirm this correctly.

What can be identified by rubbing it with hand?
Sometimes a difference can be felt in the texture of original and analog paneer, but this cannot be considered as a sure taste. The moisture content of cheese, its preparation method, storage and temperature can also change its texture. Some cheeses may feel too rubbery, too smooth, or different than usual. But it would not be right to declare a product as fake or analog cheese based only on this. The same thing applies to taste and aroma also. Oily taste or different texture may raise suspicion, but a definite identification cannot be made.

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Don’t judge by looking too white or soft
Many people try to determine the purity of cheese by looking at its color, but this method is not reliable. There may be slight variation in the color of cheese due to the type of milk and method of preparation. Similarly, being extremely soft or hard is not the only identity of real or analog cheese. Paneer kept in the refrigerator and freshly prepared paneer may feel different in texture. So look at colour, scent and texture only as initial indications, not as final proof.

Understand the difference between analog cheese and adulterated cheese
It is very important to understand that analog cheese and adulterated cheese cannot be considered the same thing in every situation. If a product is manufactured as per the prescribed standards and its actual ingredients and category are clearly mentioned on its label, then this case is different from hidden adulteration. The problem arises when any other type of product is sold as genuine dairy cheese without giving correct information to the customer or the correct information about the ingredients present in it is not given. Similarly, it is not right to consider things like urea, detergent or caustic soda as part of every analog cheese. The presence of such things can be a separate and serious matter related to food adulteration and safety.

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How to be careful while buying loose cheese?
There is no facility to see the ingredients list in open paneer. In such a situation, pay attention to the cleanliness of the shop, the way the cheese is stored and its freshness. Cheese available at very low prices may raise suspicion, but it cannot be called fake on the basis of price alone. If the cheese has an unusual smell, its color has deteriorated or its surface appears sticky, then it is better to avoid eating it. These signs may also be related to poor storage or spoilage of cheese.

It is not right to rely completely on home tests
Many home methods for identifying analog cheese are suggested on social media, but not every test can scientifically identify it for sure. Iodine test can help in checking starch, but it is not easy to accurately identify vegetable oil or other fat at home. If there is serious doubt about the purity of any cheese, testing by an authorized food testing lab is a more reliable method. For the average consumer, it is more practical to read labels when purchasing, choose a trusted brand or seller, and be wary of unusual products.

Remember this before buying analog cheese
It is not always possible to identify analog cheese just by looking at it. Therefore, avoid taking decisions based on any one test suggested on the internet. First read the name and ingredients list of the packed product. If ingredients like vegetable oil, fat or starch are mentioned in it, then check the product category and complete ingredients carefully.

Iodine test can indicate the presence of starch, but this analog is not a sure identification of cheese. Some guesses can be made from taste, color and texture, but not final confirmation. With a little care and correct information, a better decision can be taken while purchasing cheese from the market.