Fake garlic in Maharashtra: Here's how to identify genuine Indian spices and herbs

Indian spices and herbs: Genuine spices and herbs have vibrant, consistent colours. Fake versions may have dull or inconsistent hues due to the use of artificial dyes (Image: Canva)

Fake foods are mushrooming everywhere. We have seen fake saffron, honey, paneer and cheese, and now, there's a new scam involving fake garlic made from cement. In Maharashtra’s Akola district, people have been caught selling this fake garlic, taking advantage of high garlic prices.
With everyday scams and frauds making news you won’t be surprised if you discover that the spices you trusted might not be what they seem.

Fake spices and herbs are increasingly infiltrating the market, posing serious risks to your health and also your finances. From paneer, pepper, honey and cheese to now fake garlic, the rise in fraudulent food products has become a troubling trend.

Recent studies and reports highlight that fake spices and herbs are not just a matter of economic fraud but a significant health concern. According to a study published in Food Control, counterfeit spices can contain harmful substances like artificial colorants and chemical additives, which can cause allergic reactions, digestive problems, and even long-term health issues. These fake products often replace natural ingredients with cheaper, synthetic alternatives that may not only lack nutritional value but also introduce toxins into your diet.

Here is how to identify and avoid fake spices and herbs, including garlic:

Check the colour: Genuine spices and herbs have vibrant, consistent colours. Fake versions may have dull or inconsistent hues due to the use of artificial dyes. For example, authentic turmeric should have a deep, rich yellow, while fake turmeric might appear faded or uneven.

Texture: Authentic spices usually have a distinctive texture. For instance, real garlic granules should be uniform in size and texture. Fake garlic might have irregular granules or a powdery texture due to the presence of fillers.

Smell: The aroma of spices and herbs is a strong indicator of their authenticity. Genuine spices, like cinnamon, have a potent, distinctive smell. Fake products might have a weak or chemical odour, indicating artificial additives.

Taste: Taste testing can help identify fake spices. Real black pepper should have a robust, peppery flavour. If the taste is bland or different from what you expect, the spice might be adulterated.

Packaging: Inspect the packaging for authenticity. Genuine products typically have detailed labeling with expiration dates, batch numbers, and manufacturer information. Fake spices may have poorly printed labels or missing information.

Price: You may not like it, but extremely low prices can be a red flag. Quality spices come at a cost, and an unusually cheap price might indicate a counterfeit product.

Key spices and herbs to watch

Turmeric: Look for a deep, uniform yellow colour. Adulterated turmeric might have a faded or inconsistent hue.

Cinnamon: Authentic cinnamon has a sweet, warm aroma. Fake cinnamon may lack this distinctive smell and taste.

Black pepper: Genuine black peppercorns are uniformly sized and have a strong peppery flavour. Counterfeits might be smaller or have an artificial taste.

Garlic: True garlic granules are evenly sized with a distinct, pungent smell and texture. Fake garlic can appear irregular, difficult to peel, and might have a less pronounced odour.

Coriander: Real coriander seeds are smooth and uniform in size. Counterfeit coriander may have a rough texture or inconsistent seed sizes.

Paprika: Authentic paprika should have a rich, vibrant red colour and a sweet, peppery taste. Adulterated paprika may look dull or have an off taste.