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Life-threatening chemicals used in glossy red tomatoes; 3 smart ways to do purity check at home

Life-threatening chemicals used in glossy red tomatoes; 3 smart ways to do purity check at home

TOI Lifestyle Desk / etimes.in / Updated: Apr 13, 2025, 14:06 IST

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Concerns are rising in India over the artificial ripening of tomatoes using harmful chemicals. A viral video shows farmers dipping tomatoes in chemical solutions to achieve a glossy red color. Experts identify Ethephon, Gibberellic acid, and Carbide as commonly used substances. Consumers can check for purity by observing appearance, smell, and conducting a water test to identify potential chemical treatments.

Life-threatening chemicals used in glossy red tomatoes; 3 smart ways to do purity check at home

Tomatoes and onions are kitchen staples that bring life to almost every savory dish. But what if these everyday ingredients come with hidden health risks? Shocking as it sounds, after concerns over adulterated paneer and ghee, tomatoes too are now under the spotlight �?increasingly being treated with harmful chemicals.

A recent video circulating on social media once again stirred fears about the integrity of the product in our markets. Shared by content creator Satish Sonu Pandey, the footage shows a farmer dipping freshly harvested tomatoes into a chemical solution. The reason? To transform unripe green tomatoes into glossy red ones.
Take a look at the video:

As per experts, the most common chemicals used in tomatoes are Ethephon (Ethrel),which are used to accelerate ripening of tomatoes. Gibberellic acid (GA3) are referred to plant growth regulators, which promote flowering and fruit set. And Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) is used to prevent fruit drop and improves fruit quality. Carbide is used to ripen tomatoes faster and wax coating is used to give a shiny look and extend the shelf life.

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Here are 3 smart ways to do purity check of tomatoes at home
Check the appearance: Overly glossy, perfectly red, and firm tomatoes (especially off-season) may be artificially ripened using chemicals like ethylene or calcium carbide. As per experts, natural tomatoes usually have uneven ripening, slight blemishes, or greenish-yellow patches near the stem.
Smell and feel: Naturally ripened tomatoes have a mild, earthy tomato smell, especially near the stem. On the other hand, chemically treated ones often have little to no aroma and feel unnaturally hard or rubbery.

Water test: For this method, soak tomatoes in a bowl of water for 30-40 minutes. If they are coated with wax or synthetic colour you may see oily residue floating on the water, a thin white or coloured layer peeling off the skin.
Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock

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TOI Lifestyle Desk

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