Home Tests to Tell If Your Watermelon Is Fake
In recent years, growing concerns have surfaced about vendors injecting watermelons with artificial colours, glucose, and harmful chemicals to boost their look and taste
As summer heat rises, so does the craving for juicy, hydrating fruits—and nothing hits the spot quite like watermelon. But in recent years, growing concerns have surfaced about vendors injecting watermelons with artificial colours, glucose, and harmful chemicals to boost their look and taste. While these tricks may enhance visual appeal, they can severely impact your health.
Here’s how you can protect yourself with quick and easy tests at home:
1. The Rind Test
A natural watermelon rind has firm, alternating light and dark green stripes. Chemically treated ones may have discoloration, patchiness, or unusual softness.
Try this: Scratch the surface. If it peels easily or reveals odd colours underneath, steer clear.
2. The Colour Test
Natural watermelon flesh ranges from red to deep pink, with dark seeds. If the pulp looks unnaturally bright or glossy, it may be due to synthetic dyes.
Try this: Press a slice onto a white tissue. If it leaves a deep red stain, it might be artificially coloured.
3. The Sugar Test
If a watermelon tastes overly sweet, it may have been injected with sugar water or glucose.
Try this: Press the fruit gently. Soft spots, sticky leakage, or watery patches near the surface could signal tampering.
India’s food safety watchdog, FSSAI, conducts regular crackdowns on food adulteration, but the best defence remains consumer awareness. Use these home tests to stay alert and enjoy your summer fruit safely.
Because nothing should come between you and your watermelon—especially not chemicals.
