Masoor dal, also known as red lentils, is a staple in Indian kitchens. Due to its nutritional value, shorter cooking time and unique flavour, it is a favourite for cooking comforting dishes like dal tadka and khichdi, among other delicious preparations.
However, to ensure that the masoor dal recipe that you cook is flavourful, you must pick the best quality lentils. Like other frequently purchased items when shopping groceries, it is essential to know how to select the best products.
Here are some smart tips to help you find the best quality masoor dal in the bustling market to make the perfect masoor dal recipes.
Tips for Finding the Best Quality Masoor Dal
Choose Bright and Uniform Colour
The first step in checking the quality of masoor dal is to visually inspect it. Good quality masoor dal should have a bright reddish-orange colour or reddish-brown hue, depending on whether it is whole masoor or split.
Check for Uniformity and Firm Texture
Look for grains that are largely uniform in size and shape. A packet with broken or uneven-sized dal may not cook uniformly, which may spoil the texture of your masoor dal recipe. Moreover, you must also consider the firmness of the grain. The grains must be dry and not sticky or moist.
Packaging
When shopping for packaged masoor dal, pay attention to the packaging. An airtight seal for the dal is of utmost importance. The absence of airtight packaging may expose the dal to moisture and pests, which can reduce its shelf life and quality.
Opting for transparent packaging will allow you to inspect the grains for colour and appearance visually. Do not forget to check the manufacturing and expiry dates mentioned on the packaging.
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Reviews and Ratings
When shopping for masoor dal from online grocery stores, you can leverage customer reviews and ratings to make an informed decision. Reading customer reviews can reveal issues such as poor flavour, foreign matter, or incorrect cooking time. Moreover, you can also understand if the product offers value for money.
Certifications
Certifications are also a crucial factor when procuring masoor dal from an online platform.
Look for certificates such as FSSAI, USDA Organic, or equivalent regional standards to ensure the brand’s reliability and credibility. Look for detailed product descriptions to learn about other factors related to the dal, including certifications, packaging, and whether the product is organic.
Conclusion
Shopping for groceries can be a consuming job. Moreover, with the rising adulteration in food products, checking the quality becomes even more important. Whether you are shopping for essentials from a grocery store or online platforms, you can choose the best quality products by following the simple tips mentioned above.
From visual inspection to customer reviews, every quality check of your groceries can help you create delicious masoor dal recipes without compromising on health and hygiene.
