Aman J Jain, CEO and Co-Founder of Doodhvale, provides insights into common adulterants in mawa and shares essential tips to ensure that the sweets you indulge in are made from pure, fresh mawa.
As the festival of lights, Diwali, approaches, ushering in a time of celebration and joy with loved ones, the enticing aroma of delectable sweets fills the air. Among the diverse array of traditional Indian sweets, mawa, also known as khoya sweets, holds a special place in our hearts. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with mawa adulteration.
Understanding mawa adulteration and adhering to guidelines empowers you to make informed choices when purchasing sweets. Opting for reputable sweet shops, scrutinizing labels, inquiring about preparation methods, requesting tastings, and being mindful of shelf life recommendations are steps toward ensuring the sweets you relish are crafted from fresh and authentic mawa. Prioritizing quality over quantity not only enhances your festive experience but also safeguards your health and well-being.
Understanding Mawa Adulteration – Common Adulterants in Mawa
Mr. Jain shares insights into the adulteration of mawa, a crucial ingredient in many Indian sweets, which is prepared by reducing milk to a thick, solid form. Unfortunately, unscrupulous practices have led to the addition of harmful substances to mawa.
“Common adulterants like starch, vegetable fats, blotting paper, and chalk powder are often added to mawa to cut costs and mimic authenticity. Starch increases bulk, chalk powder imitates appearance but reduces nutrition, and vegetable fats alter texture but compromise taste. Additionally, in milk products like khoya and chenna, starch (from potatoes or sweet potatoes) is commonly added. Milk may also be adulterated with water, detergent, or urea. In sweets, vanaspati is sometimes used instead of ghee, and blotting paper may be added to sweet curd and rabri,” Jain said.
Tips for Ensuring Pure, Fresh Mawa in Sweets
Opt for Reputable Sweet Shops
When buying sweets, sticking to well-established and trusted shops is a prudent choice. Renowned sweet shops have a reputation to uphold and are more likely to prioritize quality and authenticity over shortcuts for profit.
Checking Ingredients and Labels
Always take a moment to read the ingredient list on the packaging. Authentic mawa-based sweets will prominently list ‘milk solids’ or ‘khoya’ as a primary ingredient. Avoid sweets with vague or misleading ingredient labels.
Inquiring About Preparation Methods
Don’t hesitate to inquire about the preparation methods employed by the sweet shop. Reputable shops are transparent about their processes and may even proudly share their traditional techniques for making fresh mawa.
Requesting a Tasting of Different Sweets
If uncertain about a particular sweet, ask for a small sample before making a purchase. This allows you to assess the taste, texture, and quality of the mawa used.
Knowing the Shelf Life for Freshness
Freshness plays a crucial role in determining the quality of mawa-based sweets. Inquire about the recommended shelf life for specific sweets, as fresher sweets are more likely to be made from genuine, unadulterated mawa.
Health Risks of Adulterated Sweets
“Consuming adulterated mawa can pose serious health risks. Adulterants like starch and flour lack the nutritional value of authentic mawa, and some may even contain harmful substances causing food poisoning. Long-term consumption of adulterated sweets can result in various health issues such as digestive problems, nutritional deficiencies, kidney congestion, etc.,” Jain cautioned.
