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edible gold

As soon as we hear the word gold, images of jewellery, coins and investments come to our mind. But have you ever heard of gold that can be eaten? In fact, the shiny yellow metal is now adding glory to sweets, cakes and royal dishes. This trend is becoming increasingly popular not only in foreign countries but also in India. But the question arises that after all is this 'Edible Gold'? Is it safe to eat? And the biggest question, how much does it cost?

How is this 'edible gold' made?

First of all, it is important to know that 'edible gold' is not a different type of metal, it is the same real gold that we know as jewellery. The only difference is in its purity and the process of preparing it. Gold used in food is refined and purified through a very complex process. To make it edible, it is beaten, so much so that it turns into very thin sheets or layers (Gold Foils).

These layers are so delicate and thin that their thickness is only a few micrometers, equal to one-thousandth of the width of a human hair. Such is their delicacy that even a light breeze can blow them away. This is the reason why big chefs and confectioners do not use their hands to decorate any dish, but take the help of special tweezers or soft brushes. These thin sheets can cover a large number of sweets at once, making them look like a work of art rather than an ordinary food item.

Is eating gold safe for health?

Edible gold is usually of 24 carat purity. This means that there is either no adulteration in it, or it is very minor. Experts believe that gold of less carat than this can be unsafe to eat. Low purity gold often has other metals mixed in it, like copper or silver, which can enter the body and cause irritation or other health problems.

Pure edible gold is certified as E175, which ensures that it is safe for consumption. The most interesting thing is that it neither has any taste nor any nutrition is found in it. Scientifically, it is not absorbed in the body and passes out of the body without any change.

What is the cost of this hobby of the rich?

The price of these sheets in the market is decided according to their size and quantity. For example, you can get a small pack of 5 gold foils (leaves) of size 50x50mm (millimeter) for around Rs 300. If you take a pack of 10 sheets of the same size, its price can be around Rs 412. Similarly, there are many packs of different brands and quantities available in the market ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 600.

These small packs may seem economical, but just imagine how many lakhs of such sheets would be required to store 1 kg of gold. Accordingly, the price of 1 kg of 'edible gold' reaches crores of rupees, which makes it one of the most expensive food items in the world.