MUMBAI: Garlic is an essential ingredient in cooking and is used in most dishes prepared in our homes. It enhances flavour and aids digestion. However, reports are emerging that fake garlic is entering the market following the sudden surge in prices.

Visuals of fake garlic outsmarting the original are circulating on social media. According to reports, these fake garlic are made using cement. Cement is used to increase the weight of garlic. The images and visuals circulating widely on social media are from the Akola district in Maharashtra.

In a shocking incident, the wife of a retired police officer was deceived into buying fake garlic in Akola's Bajoriya Nagar. She had purchased 250 grams of garlic from a street vendor. When she reached home and tried to peel the garlic, the layers didn't separate. Upon closer examination, she found that the garlic was made of cement. Fake garlic is being sold by mixing it with genuine garlic. Several national media outlets have reported that fake garlic has entered the market.

In the Kerala market, the price of garlic is around Rs 250 per kilogram. In North India, the price of garlic is over Rs 100 per kilogram.