Precious metal has always been of value to mankind. The rare, unusually attractive, expensive material has been helping to increase the assets of its owners for many centuries. The gem has been actively used in medicine and as edible gold in cookery. Below we will tell you what it is and how it is used.
Gold in the food industry: index, composition and production technology. The origin of the term "gold leaf"
Gold leaf - is a very thin sheet designed for interior decoration. Later, the resulting formula began to be actively used for the food industry. Such plates have a perfectly smooth surface, without cracks, gaps or bends.
Food-gold is used as a confectionary and culinary dye. The natural or chemical metal is used to give a natural color to a dish or an exquisite hue to a pastry.
Edible precious metal is considered an inert material that cannot harm the human body. It is produced from either naturally or chemically extracted metal. Regardless of the method of extraction, the material does not change its properties or taste.
The process of making such a food jewel is not an easy one:
- The selected bar is divided into small cubes;
- The resulting pieces are beaten with a hammer until they become very thin plates;
- The last step is to check whether the surface has scratches, cracks or other unacceptable damage.
The entire production process is mechanized, requiring the use of special equipment. This is the only way that the sheets get the same thickness and are processed evenly.
Assay and properties of food gold
When considering the properties of gold foil, it is important to remember the peculiarities of natural metal. The pure, unadulterated product has a yellow-green hue with an unusual luster. The material is soft, malleable, and one gram can cover an area of several hundred square meters.
The natural precious metal is used as a base for making decorative gold leaf. The additive is not capable of being absorbed by the body and is dispersed in the blood. It is eliminated from the body as quickly as possible in its natural form.
The following properties of the element are distinguished:
- Plastic mass, bends well;
- does not require any changes to the natural structure during processing;
- does not come into contact with environmental elements;
- a soft material that melts when exposed to high temperature.
Food grade gold leaf has a simple composition: 96% gold and 4% silver. More often 960 Sample, that's how foreign gold leaf is made. Domestic manufacturers can take high-grade gold 958 и 750 samples.
Gold leaf formats
The additive can have a format:
- sheets;
- flakes;
- sequins;
- powder;
- geometric shapes, etc.
Edible Gold Decor is officially a European food additive, designated by the E-175 marker.
Conditions and shelf life of edible gold
Leaf metal Although it belongs to the food additives, it does not require special storage conditions. In addition, the product is not able to interact with the components of the environment, which means that it does not spoil or deteriorate. The additive can be preserved for up to a year.
The practice of applying the golden ingredient around the world
Gold pastry décor is most often used by high-end pastry shops. It can be used to decorate a cake, cover a dessert or cakes. The decor is popular all over the world in the confectionery, culinary and wine industries:
- France enriches champagne with this dye. This further enhances the nobility of the drink;
- The British invented a special wine confetti, which is filled directly into the glass when it is served. The decoration is also used for the packaging of confectionery products;
- The Japanese traditionally enrich the national drink, sake;
- Some countries make candy that can be eaten with the wrapper on.
Area of application The cost of such food sprinkles is limited to a great extent.
In confectionary masterpieces
Confectionery gold is designed to decorate desserts and other sweet products. The additive adds glitter to the surface, helps make a bright accent, and significantly increases the value of the treat. Gold for cake, desserts and candies allows confectioners to make their products unique. Using the decoration, following the instructions, you can make a perfectly smooth, bright, exclusive surface.
In culinary delights
Gold leaf is also used in cooking. An unusual spice can be sprinkled on food from different cuisines around the world. The bright accent can be given to absolutely everything, even black caviar, sushi and fast food.
The peculiarity of the additive is the absence of odor and taste, it is not able to affect the properties of food, it is used solely for decorative purposes.
In winemaking
Use of Gold in winemaking was originally introduced with medically. The Catalan physician Arnaldo de Villanova first invented an elixir containing gold flakes to treat the Pope beginning in the 13th century. It was not until 1598 that wine with the food additive became an elite alcoholic beverage.
Such small particles give a special look to the drinks, emphasizing the festive atmosphere.
In the coffee industry
Now even coffee houses have started to use the decor. Coffee drinks with gold accents are becoming a global trend. Back in 2017, the UAE offered its tourists to drink coffee worth more than 1,500 rubles per cup.
In cosmetology
Gold is now actively is used by cosmetologists beauty industry. Body wrap procedures, gold-infused facial treatments that have a rejuvenating effect are considered useful.
For medical purposes
For centuries, it has been believed that the use of dietary gold can prevent the development of serious diseases. Chinese doctors used the metal to treat measles, smallpox, and skin ulcers. Native Americans used it to treat diseases related to mental development.
Since the 16th century, it became a habit in Europe to eat candy with an edible wrapper after a meal. It was thought to help prevent the development of heart disease.
Since 1929, worldwide research has been conducted on the effects of the precious metal on various diseases. Then the "gold" medicine began to be used to treat arthritis, it was covered coronary arteries to strengthen their walls, used to implant the facial nerves for paralysis. Many countries around the world added gold grains to daily beverages, as the additive had a general strengthening effect on the body.
The benefits of leaf gold for the body: myth or truth
It is believed that gold has a beneficial effect on human body. At the same time it is not absorbed into the blood, does not dissolve and is invariably eliminated from the body. Precious metal has the following useful properties:
- helps with problems with the nervous system;
- alleviates respiratory diseases;
- strengthens the immune system;
- enhances brain activity.
In the past, doctors recommended using gold to cleanse the body, for problems with the heart, liver and digestive system. In this case, even today, it is not fully known whether the metal is able to "cure". One thing is clear - it is definitely not harmful to the body.
The cost of food gold, popular brands
You can't buy a real edible decoration cheaply. The average price of 10 mosaic sheets is from 2,500 to 3,500 rubles. On the territory of Russia popular brands of the product are:
- Dear Chef;
- Manetti;
- Luxury;
- Edible.Gold
You can buy the supplement in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov and Yekaterinburg. Wholesale and retail is available through specialized online stores. Delivery is possible to Saratov Krasnodar, Nizhny Novgorod and other regions of Russia.
Video: spectacular use of food-grade gold
Reviews
I first learned about gold leaf at work. It was used as a sprinkle to decorate confectionery. Such a small element drastically changed the look of sweets. We decided to try leaf decoration, which is also easy to work with. Such desserts cost more, but they go down a treat.
Being interested in the novelties of the industry, it became clear that gold decor has become a trend of our time. I also wanted to try it. At first we used exclusively fine gold, and gradually became acquainted with sheets as well. The right product helps to create a unique eye-catching sweetness, as well as giving dishes a rich appearance.
To attract attention to your own products, you often have to experiment. Few people are surprised by chocolate figurines anymore. Gold elements added to products do not weigh them down, but rather make a festive accent. Gold in any form is comfortable to work with, and the appearance of products changes instantly.
Chef's Commentary
It must be said that the material is completely safe for health and is not capable of provoking allergic reactions. The absence of taste and smell is not able to change the taste of food, which is also important. With gold, you can make inscriptions, drawings or put an image. In any case, the dishes look festive and unusual.
