How to Use Turmeric to Test PH

Turmeric can be used to find out if a liquid or solution is acidic or alkaline (basic). Acidity and alkalinity are measured using a logarithmic scale referred to as pH. To test pH, turmeric is used to make test paper strips. The liquid being tested can be blotted onto a paper strip using a dropper, or the strip can be dipped into the liquid. With a few basic household materials, turmeric paper test strips can be easily made in your own home.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Ground turmeric
• Distilled water
• Coffee filters
• Jar
• Ceramic bowl

Instructions

1. Boil one ounce of coarse ground turmeric in a 1/2 pint of distilled water. Boil for 30 minutes.

2. Pour the turmeric water through a coffee filter to strain.

3. Fill a ceramic bowl with the turmeric water.

4. Submerge paper into the turmeric water. Any kind of soft, absorbent paper will work, from coffee filters to drawing paper. Make sure the paper is evenly coated.

5. Hang the paper to dry. Let the paper dry in an area where there are no vapors or fumes of any kind.

6. Cut the paper into thin strips.

7. Test your liquid or solution for pH. The strip will turn red in the presence of acids and will stay yellow in the presence of bases.

8. Store paper strips in sealed, glass jars.

References

• Sciencebuddies.org: Make Your Own pH Paper
• Publicbookshelf.com: Ph test papers
• Biologyjunction.com: Making pH Indicators