Gold is not just a material for jewelry, but it has also been used creatively in cuisine to create luxurious and appealing dishes. So, what does gold taste like, and what are its nutritional benefits that make it a favorite among chefs? Let’s find out in this article.
1 What type of gold is edible?
The gold used in culinary creations must be 100% pure, without any impurities. Chefs ensure that only pure gold is used in food preparation.
Gold leaf is the most commonly used form of gold in food decoration. It is meticulously beaten to an extremely thin layer of 0.003mm, or even thinner, measuring 0.0001mm.
Gold used for food decoration is beaten to an extremely thin layer
Edible gold leaf does not cause any harm to the human body. It passes through the digestive system without being absorbed and is eventually excreted.
It’s important to distinguish between culinary gold and gold used in jewelry. Jewelry gold is often mixed with other metals and may contain impurities, making it unsafe for consumption.
Gold for culinary use and gold for jewelry are not the same
Consuming non-pure gold in significant amounts can be dangerous, as some gold salts are highly toxic.
2 What does gold taste like, and what are its benefits?
Interestingly, gold has no taste at all! It also lacks any metallic scent.
Gold does not offer any nutritional benefits, but it provides a sensory experience for diners, making the dish appear more “glamorous” and “luxurious.”
3 The value of gold in cuisine
Nowadays, gold is finding its way into various dishes, whether it’s a thin layer of gold leaf, gold flakes, or gold nuggets used as a garnish.
According to Stephen Bruce, owner of Serendipity 3 restaurant in the US, which holds a Guinness World Record for its gold-covered dishes, “Everything looks better with gold.”
Although gold doesn’t add any flavor to the food, presentation and garnish are essential aspects of culinary art, positively impacting the dining experience and overall quality of the meal.
The presence of gold in a dish is captivating and exudes a sense of “exclusivity,” despite its high price tag and lack of additional benefits.
Using gold in food can positively impact the dining experience
4 Dishes commonly adorned with gold
In Vietnam, the trend of gold-covered foods took off in 2017. Many shops in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi offered gold-covered ice cream at affordable prices, ranging from 89,000 to 150,000 VND per cone.
Gold-covered ice cream with a price range of 89,000 to 150,000 VND per cone
Subsequently, renowned bakeries introduced gold-covered cakes priced at a few hundred thousand VND.
Today, gold-adorned dishes have evolved to include gold-covered fish hot pot and gold-flaked milk tea, among other creative culinary inventions.
Indeed, adding a touch of gold to a dish elevates the dining experience and gives it a sense of “luxury.” We hope that this article has answered your questions about these extravagant culinary creations!
