RP 4: food tests

Test for sugars (a type of carbohydrate)

1. Grind up food and add Benedict’s reagent

2. Boil / heat (above 65C) in a water bath

3. Sugar turns solution (from blue) to green / yellow / orange / brick red

Test for starch (a type of carbohydrate)

1. Grind up food and add iodine solution

2. Starch turns solution (from orange / brown to) blue-black

Test for lipids

1. Grind up food and add ethanol, then add water

2. Fat turns solution milky / cloudy white

Test for proteins

1. Grind up food and add Biuret reagent

2. Protein turns (from blue to) purple / lilac