Mumbai: Watermelons are a summer staple—refreshing, hydrating, and naturally sweet. But not all watermelons are as healthy as they seem. With increasing cases of artificial ripening and dye-injected fruits, identifying adulterated watermelons has become essential for your safety and well-being.

Unscrupulous sellers often use harmful substances like erythrosine dye or inject sugar water into unripe watermelons to enhance their colour and taste. While these may look appealing on the outside, they can pose serious health risks, especially for children and those with sensitivities.

Watermelon adulteration test:

Here is an adulterated watermelon test:

1. Unusually Bright Red or Glossy Flesh

• If the flesh looks unnaturally red or shiny, it could be due to injected dyes like erythrosine (Red No. 3)which is unsafe.

• A natural watermelon has a deep pink to dark red colour, not a fluorescent red.

2. Colour Bleeding

• Press the flesh with a finger or tissue.

• If red colour leaks or stainsit could be a sign of artificial colouring.

3. Bitter or Unusual Taste

• A good watermelon should be sweet and refreshing.

• Any bitter, chemical-like aftertaste might indicate chemical treatment or ripening agents.

4. Cracks or Fibres Inside

• Internal cracks and white, web-like patterns may mean the fruit was chemically ripened or injected with substances like sugar water.

5. Too Glossy or Smooth Skin

• Watermelons polished with wax or chemicals may look unnaturally shiny. Natural ones have a dull sheen and uneven colour patches.

Tips to choose Natural Watermelon:

1. Check the Field Spot

• Look for a creamy yellow spot—that’s where it rested on the ground. The darker and more yellow it is, the riper the fruit.

2. Tap Test

• Tap the melon. A deep hollow sound usually means it’s ripe and juicy. A dull sound might mean it’s underripe or overripe.

3. Uniform Shape

• Irregular shapes can indicate poor growth or chemical interference. Look for a symmetrical, oval or round shape.

4. Look for Sugar Spots & Webbing

• Brown, web-like lines or small sugar spots are signs of sweetness and natural ripening.

How to identify injected watermelon?

Here is a watermelon adulteration test at home:

• Rub a piece of the watermelon flesh on white tissue or cotton.

• If it leaves behind a pink or red colourit may be adulterated with dye.

Injected watermelon side effects

Although erythrosine is legally permitted in many countries, there are growing concerns regarding its impact on health. Here are some known and suspected side effects linked to its consumption:

Allergic Reactions: Some people may develop allergic responses, such as skin irritation, rashes, or hives, due to sensitivity to erythrosine.

Behavioural Concerns: Research indicates that synthetic food dyes, including erythrosine, might be linked to increased hyperactivity and behavioural challenges in children, prompting calls for stricter regulation and clearer labelling.

Thyroid Impacts: When consumed in high amounts, erythrosine has been found to influence thyroid function. Animal studies, particularly in rats, have shown a correlation between high doses and the development of thyroid tumours.

Carcinogenic Risk: Due to its effects on the thyroid, some health organisations have categorised erythrosine as a possible carcinogen. While this is primarily based on animal research, the topic continues to be studied and debated.

Digestive Issues: In larger quantities, erythrosine may also cause stomach discomfort, including nausea and vomiting.

Your best defence against adulterated fruits is awareness. By staying informed and checking for telltale signs like unnatural colour, dye residue, or odd taste, you can ensure that your watermelon is not only delicious but also safe for your family.

Remember, the safest watermelon is the one that nature ripens, not chemicals. Trust your senses, choose from trusted sources, and follow these simple tips to enjoy summer’s favourite fruit the healthy way.