Fennel Seeds (Saunf) Safety Inspection

Fennel seeds are high-risk spices often treated with Malachite Green to look vibrant and "new" or coated with saccharin to mask the bitterness of old, low-quality seeds. 1. The Cotton Rub Test: Rub a handful of fennel seeds on a wet cotton ball. If the cotton turns green or bluish-green, artificial dye like Malachite Green has been applied. Natural fennel color is subtle and does not rub off easily. 2. The Water Wash (Color Bleed): Soak a spoonful of fennel seeds in warm water for 10 minutes. If the water turns bright green immediately, suspect artificial coloring. Natural fennel color leaches very slowly and turns the water a faint, pale yellow-green. 3. The Taste Profile (Sweetener Check): Pure, high-quality fennel has a natural, mild sweetness and a strong licorice-like aroma. If you experience an intense, "cloying," or metallic sweetness that lingers on your tongue, it likely contains added Saccharin. 4. The Grit and Dust Check: Spread a spoonful of fennel seeds on a white plate. Look for small, green-tinted stones or greyish grit. Some retailers add matching stone dust to increase the weight of the batch.