100g Alum (Fatakdi) Aluminium Potassium Powder

Alum powder, found in the spice section of many grocery stores, may be used in pickling recipes as a preservative to maintain fruit and vegetable crispness. Alum is used as the acidic component of some commercial baking powders.

When we say the word "Alum", most of us think of it's use in shaving. But it has other wonderful uses too. Though there are many types of alum, potassium alum is the one commonly used for household purposes. Alum has been used since ancient times for it's many wonderful uses.

What is alum powder made of?
Alum (Potassium Aluminum Sulphate) is a crystalline powder. It is a general purpose food additive that functions as a firming agent.

What is an alum stone?
Alum in block form (usually potassium alum) can be used as a blood coagulant. Styptic pencils containing aluminium sulphate or potassium aluminium sulphate are used as astringents to prevent bleeding from small shaving cuts.

What is Phitkari?
Fitkari (a.k.s. Fatakdi) is a chemical compound and in English known as Potash alum/ Potassium alum/ Potassium aluminium sulphate with chemical formula KAl (SO4)2. In India is popular with hindi names Fitkari, Phitkari and saurashtri. Fitkari has many health benefits and in Indian traditional health care system, Ayurveda used mostly.