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Gold on Your Plate? Yes, It's Edible
By Sara J. Schmidt
If you're not a frequent patron of upscale dining establishments, it may surprise you if your celery apple soup is served with a sparkling golden garnish. Your first thought may be, is that real gold? Followed by, can I eat that?
Both answers are yes. Chefs, bakers, and bartenders use edible forms of gold-as well as silver-to accentuate special dishes, soups, desserts, and even drinks. An ancient Renaissance custom, edible gold can be used in many forms-such as petals, leaves, and sprinkles.
What is it made of?
Edible gold and silver really are the gold and silver that you might wear as a wedding band or the fine china reserve for company. The difference is that the edible versions are not combined with tin, lead or any other toxic metals. The malleable metals are forged into very; very thin forms-somewhat like aluminum foil, but even thinner.
How is it used?
Purely a decorative item nearly without flavor, gold is used in various ways to accentuate a dish or drink. Flakes can be added throughout or on top of a meal, or set adrift within a beverage or soup. Tiny golden sprinkles can be used on everything from ice cream to sushi to cocktails, fruits like strawberries may be dipped in it, and some particularly bold items, such as chocolates or other candies, may be completely covered with gold.
Is it really Safe to Eat?
It is completely safe to digest gold and silver in these forms. They are flattened into such a small quantity for decorative use that there is not even a nutritional value given to them. (Gold also does not contain any fats or carbohydrates.) The FDA has even approved gold as being fully edible, and maintains that it is not even absorbed into the bloodstream. It will not react with anything in your body, and isn't even affected by acids or oxygen. (Silver, however, can be harmful and react to stomach acid if ingested in large amounts.) Other minerals are perfectly safe to eat as well, such as calcium and iron. Dentists use gold in fillings, and the metal is sometimes used in cosmetics.
The History of its Culinary Use
Both gold and silver have been used in ancient times to prepare medicine; both were also considered a good digestive aid. Today, silver and gold are still considered to be of good medicinal value in some Chinese, Indian and homeopathic practices. In 1890, modern science began to use gold to cure tuberculosis. The metals are even available (in very tiny amounts) as elixirs, powders and pills that claim to offer many health benefits, such as arthritis relief, and doctors sometimes use gold in surgery, cancer treatments, and other procedures.
The health use of gold led to its use in food. In Europe, royalty would have snacks served with gold to promote good health. In Elizabethan times, gold was used in royal feats on fruit, and the Japanese have been using edible gold for centuries.
Golden Lore
There are many ancient beliefs surrounding gold; it was believed to bring good luck, heal the sick, and even ward off evil. Egyptians ingested gold to purify them spiritually, and believed that ingesting powdered gold would lead to immortality. Alchemists in Asia and Europe believed in the idea as well. Today, some people still believe that by consuming gold-also known as "white powder"-they will live forever.
Where Can I Get Some?
Companies like deLafee offer products already accented by gold, as well as silver, such as chocolates, tea, cigars, wine, lollipops and other products. These can be ordered directly through their website.
If you'd like to try whipping up a gilded creation on your own, edible gold can be purchased at Sur La Table, L'Epicerie, and The Gold Leaf Company. Small amounts generally run $20 to $50, but the estimated price per pound is a whopping $15,000.