Bright colours, perfectly polished surfaces and unusually fast ripening may sometimes indicate chemical treatment in fruits and vegetables. Experts say certain sellers use artificial ripening agents, wax coatings or chemical dyes to improve appearance and shelf life. While not every shiny fruit is unsafe, consumers are increasingly looking for simple ways to identify produce that may contain harmful chemical traces before bringing it home.
Water Test: One simple home method involves soaking fruits and vegetables in water for a few minutes. If the water changes colour or develops an oily layer, it could indicate artificial coatings or dyes. For watermelons, placing a small piece of pulp in a glass of water may help. If the water turns pink or red quickly, experts suggest being cautious before consuming it.
Cotton Ball / Tissue Rub Test: Rub the red flesh of the watermelon with a white cotton ball or tissue paper. If the cotton turns bright pink or red instantly, it indicates the presence of artificial colouring agents like Rhodamine B or Erythrosine. Natural fruit leaves little to no stain
.Smell, Texture & Appearance Check: Chemically ripened fruits often have no natural aroma or smell chemical-like. They appear unnaturally shiny, uniformly coloured, and may have injection marks or cracks. Avoid fruits that feel too hard despite bright colour or have powdery residue on the skin.
Wash, Peel And Soak Produce Properly: Experts recommend washing produce thoroughly under running water rather than simply wiping it dry. Soaking fruits and vegetables in salt water or baking soda solution for a few minutes may help reduce surface pesticide residue. Peeling certain fruits and vegetables can also lower exposure to wax coatings or chemicals often used during transportation and storage.
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- News18.com
