It might sound fancy – and it is – but what exactly is it? How do you use it? What does gold leaf actually taste like?
These are all important questions, and fortunately we are here to help you. Hopefully by the end of this, you will have a better understanding of gold leaf, how to use it, and everything else you’re dying to know.
Simply put, gold leaf is actually real gold, and yes – it is safe to eat. However, that doesn’t answer some of the most important questions you may be asking yourself.
Gold Leaf: What Does It Taste Like, And Does It Taste Good?
Gold leaf is a popular product used in decorating food. While it is pretty, and mesmerizing, you may be asking yourself what this strange culinary addition tastes like.
We are going to go through everything you need to know about gold leaf below, including what it actually is, how it gets used, and of course, what it tastes like.
Read on if you want to find out more about gold leaf! The answers to these questions might just surprise you.
What Exactly Is Gold Leaf?
Gold leaf, also called edible gold leaf sheets, are made from real gold and trace amounts of silver that occur naturally. The sheets are hammered to be incredibly thin, then used in any way the buyer would like.
So, yes, you are eating real, 22 to 24-carat gold when you are having something with gold leaf on it – how fancy! Don’t forget to take some good snapshots if you ever get the chance to enjoy this, because it is totally Instagram worthy.
It’s important to note that gold leaf is perfectly safe to eat. This is because gold does not get absorbed in the body when it does through the digestion process.
As such, it will not harm you in any way. However, we should also point out that there are no health or nutritional benefits to eating gold leaf, either.
How Is Gold Leaf Used?
Gold leaf is only used as decoration in baking, where the material and coloring can be transferred onto things like icing, or even used in drinks! There is no purpose of gold lead beyond aesthetic purposes.
It can be purchased as sheets or flakes, and it is frequently used in bougie restaurants, bakeries, and similar establishments.
Below are some of the various types of gold leaf you can buy to decorate your own food and drinks:
Dust – edible gold dust is a popular format to use for anyone who just wants a sprinkling of fabulous on their dish. This is a good option for bakers who would like to paint the dust onto cakes and icing for a beautiful, metallic color. It can also be used in drinks to make it glitter.
Petals – edible gold petals are typically between 3–5 millimeters, and are made from shredded gold leaf. These are larger than traditional gold leaf flakes, and are often used for baking.
Shapes – gold leaf shapes can vary greatly, from regular circles to squares, hearts, and more. Again, they are particularly popular for decorating in baking and can transform any dessert into something special.
Transfer Sheets – gold leaf transfer sheets are probably the most popular format, and are simply square sheets of transferrable gold leaf.
You might be surprised to learn that gold leaf has actually been used in food for hundreds, if not thousands, of years!
Historically, it used to symbolize vitality and was a way of honoring the gods, as well as showing off wealth. Now, however, gold leaf is relatively inexpensive, and is commonly used around the world.
What Can You Use Gold Leaf On?
Technically, gold leaf can be used on any kind of food you would like. You could use it to garnish a salad, or fried chicken if you like.
However, most gold leaf is reserved for dessert items such as cakes, cupcakes, pastries, and some drinks like champagne or wines. It is also occasionally used to garnish fancy savory dishes too, like sushi, soups, risottos, and even pastas.
There are no real rules to follow, so if you want to stick some gold leaf on your steak, then there is nothing stopping you.
What Does Gold Leaf Taste Like?
Now for the all-important question – what does gold leaf taste like?
You may be pleased, or disappointed, to learn that gold leaf actually has no flavor. Not only that, but it does not even have a texture! It simply… is.
Many people may expect a slightly metallic taste, but there is absolutely nothing. Even the most refined and sensitive pallet would not be able to pick up a flavor on gold leaf.
This is actually a good thing, since gold leaf is only used as a decorative element. If it had a flavor, it would likely impact the dishes it is being used to decorate.
Similarly, because there is no discernible texture, gold leaf will not interfere with the delightful foods you want to enjoy.
How To Store Gold Leaf Properly
Like anything, you need to store gold leaf properly if you want it to last as long as possible.
This product is very delicate, which means that it can easily be ruined or damaged if stored in the wrong conditions or in a place where it will come into contact with other things.
Gold leaf should always be stored in a cool, dry place. Make sure that the location is away from any location where it might get damp or too hot, or else it will be unusable.
Always make sure that the gold leaf is flat, or else it will get damaged and break apart. Seal it away in the packaging it came from in an airtight container, and try to move it as little as possible.
Any movement can result in tearing or other kinds of damage, especially for the sheets!
Final Thoughts
So, gold leaf is made of real gold, and is typically used for decorating cakes and other desserts. While it usually comes in the form of transfer sheets, there are other types available, such as flakes and dust.
Gold leaf does not have a flavor, and it essentially has no texture, either. This means that it is simply a pretty thing to make your desserts look bougie, and offers no nutritional benefits, flavor, or texture to a dish.
Gold Leaf: What Does It Taste Like, And Does It Taste Good?
Recipe by AubreyCourse: Taste Like
Servings
4
servings
Prep time
30
minutes
Cooking time
40
minutes
Calories
300
kcal
Ingredients
Gold Leaf
Directions
Like anything, you need to store gold leaf properly if you want it to last as long as possible. This product is very delicate, which means that it can easily be ruined or damaged if stored in the wrong conditions or in a place where it will come into contact with other things.
Gold leaf should always be stored in a cool, dry place. Make sure that the location is away from any location where it might get damp or too hot, or else it will be unusable.
Always make sure that the gold leaf is flat, or else it will get damaged and break apart.
Seal it away in the packaging it came from in an airtight container, and try to move it as little as possible. Any movement can result in tearing or other kinds of damage, especially for the sheets!
Hi, I’m Aubrey, and I have been a chef for close to 8 years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, as long as I can remember. I loved my play kitchen when I was a kid, and would offer my parents my own (albeit gross) cookie recipes to taste!
Here at ButterandSaltGatherings, I want to offer a wide range of ingredients, flavors, meals and recipes so that you can start living each day to the fullest, and enjoy only the best food.
