How the black pepper seeds are adulterated?

Black pepper seeds are adulterated with papaya seeds, light black pepper seeds. Coating of black pepper with mineral oil is also a type of adulteration.

Detection Methods:

  1. Papaya seeds can be separated from pepper as they are shrunken, oval in shape and greenish brown or brownish black in color.
  2. Float the sample of black pepper in alcohol. The black pepper berries sink while the papaya seeds and light black pepper will float.
  3. Black pepper when coated with mineral oil gives kerosene like smell.

Additional information