Identifying fake hing: Five practical methods to make sure you're purchasing real asafoetida

A prominent ingredient in Indian cookery, asafoetida, often called hing, is prized for its unique scent and digestive advantages. But as the market for this necessary spice has expanded, counterfeit and tainted products have begun to appear, making it difficult for customers to tell which is the real deal.A quick look at the box is not enough to identify phony hing.

There are subtle but reliable ways to tell if the asafoetida you're purchasing is genuine, including texture and aroma. However, how can buyers boost their confidence in spotting high-quality goods among fakes? Five practical methods to identify fake hing are provided by Health Pepper's consultant dietitian and certified diabetic educator, Kanikka Malhotra.Consuming phony or contaminated hing (asafoetida) can lead to a number of health problems, such as gastrointestinal problems, allergic reactions, and long-term conditions including cancer and liver damage because of harmful adulterants like lead chromate and artificial dyes, Malhotra adds. Furthermore, hing that has been contaminated may not be nutritious, which could result in deficits in vital nutrients.