How Gold Is Used In The Foods?

By Jack Wagon

Undoubtedly, gold is one of the most oldest form of elements introduced in this world and found by civilizations more than thousands of years ago. It was discovered in streams and hence, gold mining was conducted to take out gold. The atomic symbol of gold is "Au", and it comprises of surprising features, which are useful for several purposes.

Its characteristics allow it to be used in several ways. Gold has the capability to be folded and hammered into thin sheets; it is malleable, and it can easily take up different shapes. Gold has a quality of resisting corrosion, and tarnish. It is also non-toxic. Not to overlook is the beauty that it reflects. Due to these several attributes and outstanding characteristics, gold has been used for several purposes.

Apart from electronics, medicines, money exchange and other industries, gold is very commonly used in the food industry as well. It might be shocking, but this metal, which has an E number of 175, is very commonly used in the making of food and drinks since it is a non-toxic element.

A gold leaf, flake, or dust is consumed for certain gourmet foodstuffs. Mostly, they are used in sweets as a garnishing ingredient. In areas of Medieval Europe, the nobles used gold flake as a garnishing item in foodstuff, and beverages, in the shape of a leaf, as a flake, and sometimes as dust. Consumption of gold in such a manner displayed or signified the wealth owned by the host; it was also treated as a status symbol. Furthermore, it has been seen as a valuable and exceptional material with health benefits.

Pure gold is safe to be consumed in food and drinks. These days, many candies require the addition of gold for their making, and many recipes still mention garnishing of gold dust on the food.

Lollipops and hard candies at times use gold as an ingredient. Sometimes, it is also used for dusting on candies. Apart from all this, it may also be surprising for some people to know that certain beverages also incorporate gold within them. A traditional herbal liqueur with the name on Goldwasser (meaning gold water in German language) has gold flakes or gold leaf in it.

Gdansk, Poland and Schwabach are the places where this herbal water is usually available. Other than this, certain beverages and cocktails, which are very high priced, have gold dust in them, not to give any flavour but just as an element of richness.

Apart from food and drinks, many desserts such as pastries, cakes and cupcakes are embellished with gold dust to attract more people towards them. For Easter, eggs are also decorated with gold embellishments to make them look extraordinary. - 29871

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