How to check if your ghee is pure: simple home checks

Can you test ghee purity at home?

You can spot some common problems at home, but a home check is only a hint. Only a food-testing laboratory can confirm purity. FSSAI publishes simple kitchen tests in its DART book.

Check 1: Iodine test for starch

Take half a teaspoon of ghee in a transparent bowl, add a few drops of tincture of iodine (from a chemist) and mix. If the colour turns blue, starch (for example mashed potato) may have been added. Pure ghee does not turn blue.

Check 2: Melt it slowly

Warm a spoon of ghee on low heat. Good ghee melts quickly into a clear golden liquid with a pleasant, nutty aroma. A strong, unusual smell is a warning sign.

Check 3: Look at the texture

Bilona ghee often sets with a grainy (danedar) texture at room temperature. Texture changes with temperature, so do not rely on this alone.

When should you use a lab?

If you suspect adulteration, send a sealed sample to an FSSAI-notified food-testing laboratory. At Amrit Dairy we are happy to answer any question about how our ghee is made.