• For the creation of desserts preaunties, more and more confectioners are resorting to using edible gold leaf.
• Edible gold leaf is probably one of the most expensive ways to decorate your cakes or pastries.
Edible gold leaf is a gold product that can be used in gastronomy to decorate food. Gold being considered "biologically inert", that is, it passes through the digestive tract without being absorbed, it can be used in food without producing effects on the body.
Edible gold is mainly used in confectionery and chocolate for the decoration of desserts and candies and is sold in the form of sheets or flakes. It is one of the most expensive foods in the world, but considering that it is real gold, the price is justified. Fortunately, the sheets are incredibly thin, so it's an affordable luxury for those interested.
Luxury in gastronomy
Edible gold leaf is used to bring an original and glamorous element to a dish. Whether we are talking about cakes or other pastries, candies, ice cream cones, cocktails, champagne or other drinks, the foil adds a touch of luxury. Gold flakes, in particular, add a special sparkle to candies and cupcakes, and are also frequently used by bartenders to add flecks of floating gold to alcoholic beverages.
Although traditionally used to decorate desserts, edible gold leaf has made its way not only to the indulgent side of restaurant menus, but also to fast food restaurants. In 2018, the restaurant chain Popeyes celebrated the opening of its 3000th location by serving chicken wings dipped in champagne and covered with gold flakes, and at the 2021 edition CARNEXPO Grill created, under the signature of Chef Iulian Olaru, a hamburger made from exceptional ingredients of Romanian origin, with a bun covered with gold leaf from Confectioner Isteț.
In luxury restaurants, renowned for their elegance and extravagance, gold will also be found in dishes such as Risotto or sushi.
What does edible gold leaf taste like?
Although you might expect it to have a metallic flavor, gold leaves or flakes, just like those of silver they have no taste at all as nothing will dissolve in your mouth. Edible gold leaf will pass through the digestive system without being absorbed.
The sensation may be very slightly crunchy at first, but that's about all you'll feel or taste, the edible gold only influencing the appearance of the dish, not the taste.
Where do we get edible gold and how do we preserve it?
It is very important to purchase edible gold from stores specializing in the sale of decorations for confectionery and chocolate. This will guarantee you that the gold or silver used to make the decorative leaves or flakes is truly edible.
We must remember that gold and silver leaves have been used for a long time in various decorations or iconography, in art in general, but they are not intended for gastronomy.
For gold to be edible, it needs to be at least 21 carats. A value less than that means it has been mixed with other metals and will become unsafe for consumption. Recommended in gastronomy are 22 or 24 carat gold leaves or flakes, meaning a higher purity than most gold jewelry on the market.
Edible gold is sold in sheet form, in various sizes, plain or with applied transfer paper, and in flake form.
Being extremely thin, the gold leaves are handled with care, in draft-free spaces. Store in cool and dry places, on flat surfaces, in an airtight container. By following these simple rules, the shelf life of edible gold becomes practically unlimited.
The art of using gold leaf
While gold or silver flakes come in jars and are very easy to apply to desserts or sprinkle on drinks and ice cream, gold leaf can be difficult for beginners to use.
Knowing the difference between plain and transfer sheets can save you valuable time, nerves and money. The difference is not in the appearance of the sheets, but only in the way of use.
Edible gold leaf with transfer paper is easier to use when the surface we are applying it to allows this method of application. For example, for a cake covered in fondant, lightly moisten the surface where the gold is applied, carefully fit the sheet of transfer paper, press gently, then remove the paper. Transfer paper sheets are recommended when large surfaces are to be decorated.
Gold leaves without transfer paper, for decorating larger surfaces, are recommended only for those who already master this art. But they are perfect in smaller decorations, artistic touches to give a touch of luxury to gourmet creations.
They are applied with the help of special brushes and tweezers, using gloves so that the oils from the leather do not stain the sheet.
Gold leaf will almost never have a perfect finish. You will always see the lines where each applied sheet ends, no matter how skillfully you work. However, other decorations can be applied to mask the joints and achieve a truly spectacular result.
Is there a variety of colors?
Are there different colored gold leaves? The answer to this question is yes.
The difference in shade is given by the carat value. Thus, 24 carat edible gold leaf is darker in color than 21 carat gold leaf and with a yellowish tint. Edible gold leaf, which is mainly used in champagne, is a mixture of gold and silver resulting in a much lighter shade, suitable for the color of the drink.
The most popular question lately is whether edible rose gold leaf exists, given both the rise of pink chocolate and trends in the jewelry market, where rose gold is still in high demand. Unfortunately, while there is rose gold leaf for art and crafting, there is no edible rose gold leaf.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor of Arta Albă
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