Detection of Adulteration in Spices (Whole & Powdered) at Home

Adulterant of Black Pepper

• Papaya seeds
• Mineral oil coated black pepper

Detection of Papaya seeds in Black pepper: Experiment No- 1 of 1

• Papaya seeds can be easily separated out from black pepper as they are shrunken, Ovel in shape and greenish brown or brownish black in color. 

Detection of Light black pepper and papaya seeds in Black pepper: Experiment No - 1 of 2

• Float the sample of black pepper in alcohol (rectified spirit)
• The black pepper berries while the papaya seeds and light black pepper floats on surface of alcohol.
• take some berries from alcohol and press them within the fingers, light berries will break easily while black pepper need more mechanical power to break.