What is Edible Gold?

Edible gold is exactly what it says on the tin – it's gold that you can eat. Gold is actually considered an inert material, meaning that it can pass through the digestive tract without causing any harm. Obviously this applies to the purest forms of gold, 22-24 carats, as anything less than this will have more impurities and will be less safe to eat. Although gold can pass through your digestive system, you don't actually digest any of it, so there is no nutritional value from eating gold.

The History of Edible Gold

Edible gold has been used to decorate food and show off wealth for thousands of years, the earliest recorded instance being the second millenium BC in Ancient Egypt. Egyptian pharoah tombs, their skin, and paintings were decorated using gold and it is believed that they added gold to their food in order to be closer to the Gods.

Far Eastern cultures are also believed to have added gold to their food in order to draw attention from the Gods. The earliest form of edible gold being used as decoration rather than for sacred purposes, can be seen in Japanese culture where bottles of Saké contained gold flakes and and certain dishes were covered in fold leaf. This is thought to date back as far as the ancient tradition of the tea ceremony, which is so integral to Japanese history and culture.

In Europe during the Middle Ages, gold leaf was introduced purely for decoration. It was a signature of wealth and was used a lot by the upper classes in feasts and wedding ceremonies. It became so common that in Padua, in the 16th century, the city council passed a law stating that a maximum of two courses of a wedding feast were allowed to be decorated with gold.

Edible gold was later used in alchemy and for medicinal purposes, so often thought of as a cure for all diseases. While this is not true, gold was found to have theraputic properties in the centuries to come and was a common ingredient in medicines.

How Edible Gold is Used Today

Not all that much has changed in the centuries, and gold is still seen as a signifier of wealth. Though much easier to procure these days, many high end restaurants use gold leaf to decorate desserts and chocolates. Some chefs also use gold for savory recipes, like golden saffron risotto or consommé But almost anyone can easily buy gold leaf in sheets or flakes for decorative purposes. There is a even a well know Smirnoff Gold Leaf vodka that is peppered with golden flakes. It can be used to decorate cakes, add a little glitter to Christmas dinner, or spice up a cocktail.

You can buy gold leaf from craft supply stores, though this may not be the level of purity needed to add to food. The price range for flakes or sheets can be as low as $20-$30. So decorating your dinner like a 12th century wedding reception is much easier and less expensive than one may have imagined.

Photo from www.preciousmetalstrading.org

by Wheeler del Torro

When I moved to France after high school to learn about the culinary world from the masters, I had never seen truffles in real life. I had heard amazing stories of the delightful flavor and smell of French truffles. I was working with chefs around Paris hosting pop up dinner parties. A secretive and unpredictable supplier would lurk around the back door of the kitchen, dealing only in cash. There was something about him that struck me as nefarious. I assumed some sort of alternate business was taking place out of the kitchen. I was soon to experience the glorious flavor and covert business of the black truffle. The man I had suspected as being up to no good was in fact a truffle dealer. Truffles are so prized and hard to come by that their growing sites are kept top secret and the whole market operates in cash.

As I learned more about truffles of all kinds and began incorporating them in to my recipes, I discovered some of the factors that give them their luxury status.

Truffles are known as the diamonds of the culinary world. This nickname provides some insight into their worth and value. A truffle is a type of edible mushroom that is extremely rare. It is the rarity of truffles that makes them so unique and highly sought after. Truffles are known to be a delicacy and have a specific aroma and taste that sets them apart from other types of mushrooms. They are known for having a firm texture, but they are most often used in dishes where they are used as shaved toppings for added flavor. Adding truffle to any dish has the ability to make it gourmet.

Some elements that make truffles so prized include THAT THEY ARE:

Wild

People for generations, if not centuries, have tried to cultivate truffles. Farmers in the United States and Australia have attempted to recreate the conditions under which truffles thrive in Europe, but truffle cultivation rarely produces full truffles or large crops. Since truffle production cannot be scaled up and they remain rare, chefs and connoisseurs are willing to pay high prices.

Hidden

Adding to the mystery of truffles, they grow underground at the roots of trees. Nestled under the roots of trees, harvesting truffles requires first finding them beneath the soil and digging them up. Trained dogs are often used to help with harvesting truffles. Dogs, (historically truffle hunters used pigs, but the pigs didn't want to share their finds) have to be raised and trained to help in the search for truffles. Truffles favor the roots of certain trees, including oak, poplar, and hazel, and are sensitive to changes in the climate.

DIVERSE

There is more than one type of truffle. Most truffles are categorized based on their color, season and appearance, including black, white burgundy, summer and winter. Different types of truffles can range in color and taste and are found in different parts of the world. They are also at different price levels, with white truffles form Italy often topping the price index for world truffles. France is often known for having the best black truffles, rivaling white truffles in Italy. Most are known based on the location where they are harvested.

PAIRINGS

Truffles have a distinct aroma and a very noticeable taste, which is why they can be used in a variety of dishes. Truffles flavor starts to lessen after they are harvested, which also adds to the expense of this mushroom. Cooking actually dissipates the flavor of truffles. Truffles are often used to add a gourmet garnish to plain, hearty dishes like pasta and rice to ensure that the full taste is intact.

Edible Gold