Identifying Pure and Adulterated Mustard Oil

Cold pressed mustard oil that is commonly used in Indian households is particularly famous for its strong smell and taste. Extracted from seeds of mustard plant, it has been used in Indian cuisine for a long time. In terms of taste, aroma and health benefits, wood pressed mustard oil is the best option out of all of them. Being rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, this oil is amazing for the heart, skin, hair and also the digestive system. 

At Gramiyaa, you will find the purest, and the most delicious cold pressed mustard oil. Not just mustard, we offer a variety of cold pressed cooking oils. But that may not be the case with other stores. With so many options available in the market, with most of them looking alike, how do you find out which one is pure? In this post, we will help you learn about the adulteration of cold pressed mustard oil, and how you can detect it at home.

What do they use in cold pressed mustard oil adulteration?

Cold pressed mustard oil is in fact one of the healthiest oils available for consumption, but the sad thing is that it is usually mixed with some toxic substances to boost the earnings. Here are some of the chemicals used to adulterate cold pressed mustard oil - 

1. Argemone oil: This is the most frequent type of adulterant that is used. Argemone oil is poisonous and can lead to some adverse health effects, such as vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain, and potentially fatal effects including liver and kidney disorders, even death. 
2. Mineral oil: Often, to get better profit, mineral oils of lower quality are added to the mustard oil. Mineral oil is not good for human consumption as it is highly comedogenic. It can lead to digestive problems and prolonged use may result in kidney ailments and liver damage.
3. Synthetic color: Sometimes artificial colors are added to mustard oil to make it look fresh and tempting. These artificial colors are harmful to the body and can cause allergic reactions, skin problems, and even damage to internal organs over time.

These harmful chemicals can not only cause short-term health problems but also lead to chronic conditions if consumed regularly. Consuming pure cold pressed mustard oil is beneficial for your health, as it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which help improve heart health and overall well-being. At Gramiyaa, every batch of oil is tested and approved in laboratories, which means purity and quality are promised.

How to check the purity of mustard oil? 

With the increasing prevalence of adulteration in food products, it's crucial to be able to identify pure mustard oil, and it certainly is a serious concern. People add cheaper oils like palm oil, soybean oil, or even mineral oils with mustard oil, which is not only harmful to health but also reduces the nutritional value of the oil. These adulterants are often colorless or odorless and may not be even noticeable to the naked eye, which is why it’s important to know how to test for the purity of mustard oil, and any other cold pressed cooking oil.

How to identify pure mustard oil

There are a few simple methods to test whether your mustard oil is pure or adulterated. If you are wondering how to check purity of mustard oil at home, here are some tricks - 

• Smell test - The aroma of pure cold pressed mustard oil is quite distinctive. 

• It has a sharp, pungent smell that is characteristic of mustard seeds.
• If the oil has little or no smell, it could indicate the presence of added chemicals or refined oils. 
• The presence of added artificial fragrances can mask the natural smell of the oil.

• How to check mustard oil purity using color - The color of pure mustard oil tends to be a golden yellow or light amber shade. 

• Adulterated mustard oil may appear lighter or darker, depending on the kind of oil that has been mixed in. 
• This color change could be due to the oils containing different pigments and colorants.

• Mustard oil adulteration test using water - One of the easiest ways to check the purity of mustard oil at home is by performing a water test. 

• Take a small quantity of mustard oil in a transparent glass or bowl and add a few drops of water to it. 
• If the oil is pure, it will remain unaffected and float on the water without mixing.
• If the oil is adulterated with cheaper oils, the mixture will either form a cloudy appearance or the oil may blend with the water.

• Cold pressed mustard oil density test - Another way to check for adulteration is by testing cold pressed mustard oil density.

• Pure mustard oil has a relatively higher density than most other edible oils. 
• Simply observe the flow of the oil when you pour it out of the bottle.
• Pure cold pressed mustard oil tends to be slightly thicker and will flow slowly compared to diluted or adulterated oils. 
• Adulterated oils often flow faster due to their lower density.

• Nitric acid test for mustard oil purity – Nitric acid is another useful way to check mustard oil purity. 

• Take a small amount of mustard oil and add a few drops of Nitric acid solution to it.
• If the oil is adulterated with cheaper oils, the oil will show slightly yellowish or reddish colour.
• In pure mustard oil, there will be no effect.

• Foaming test - When you heat pure mustard oil in a pan, it should form very little foam. 

• If the oil is adulterated, it will foam excessively when heated.
• This is because of the presence of soap or detergent-like substances that are sometimes used to alter the appearance or texture of the oil.

Choose Gramiyaa, choose pure mustard oil!

If you’re looking for high-quality, pure cold pressed mustard oil, Gramiyaa is your one-stop-shop. Gramiyaa offers a range of natural, cold pressed oils in India. From cold pressed groundnut oil, to cold pressed sesame oil, our oils are sourced and produced with care, ensuring you get only the best quality. Choose Gramiyaa for your kitchen needs, and enjoy the authentic taste and health benefits of pure cold pressed oils. Make sure to always check the purity before using any mustard oil in your food, and rely on Gramiyaa for premium quality wood pressed oils.