Ivy Gourd (Tindora) Safety Inspection
Detect Malachite Green dye and over-ripeness in Ivy Gourd
Inspection Guide
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How to Inspect Ivy Gourd (Tindora)
Ivy Gourd (Tindora) is frequently dipped in Malachite Green to look fresh. Also, overripe gourds (seeds turned red) are less nutritious and have a different texture.
1. The Wet Cotton Test:
Rub the Tindora surface with a cotton ball soaked in water or oil. If the cotton turns green, it indicates Malachite Green dye. Natural Tindora shouldn't leave color.
2. The Snap Test:
Try to snap a Tindora in half. Fresh, tender ones snap cleanly. If it's rubbery and bends without snapping, it's old and likely chemically treated to look green.
3. The Interior Check:
Cut a few Tindora. They should be white/pale green inside with small tender seeds. If they are red/orange inside, they are overripe and may have a sour taste.
4. Visual Uniformity:
Look for unnatural uniform greenness. Natural Tindora has slight stripes or variation. A fluorescent, perfect green is a dye indicator.
Quick Safety Tips
- Perform rub test for green dyes
- Check for clean snap (not rubbery)
- Discard if inside is bright red/orange
- Soak in salt water for 20 minutes before use
Chemical Concerns
Step 1: AI Visual Scan
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