Edible Gold & Silver

Edible gold leaf - Important questions and answers

Can you eat any gold? Is gold harmful to the body? Or is gold leaf vegan? In the following section, we go into more detail about exciting questions and answers on the topic of edible gold leaf. 

What is edible gold leaf?

Edible gold leaf is a form of gold leaf that is suitable for consumption. Edible gold leaf is mainly used to refine as well as visually enhance dishes and meals.

Is edible gold leaf real gold?

Edible gold leaf consists of real gold, which has been processed in several steps to a thin and edible gold foil. By the way, edible gold leaf is labeled and listed in the EU as an official additive with E175.

Production of edible gold leaf

How is edible gold leaf produced?

The production of edible gold leaf is identical to the production of normal gold leaf, which is used to gild objects. First, a gold ingot is worked with a roller until the ingot is only a few millimeters thick. Then, pieces of equal size are punched out of the resulting gold strip and worked with a spring hammer for several hours until the gold leaf has reached a thickness of 125 nanometers, which is 1/8000 millimeters. 

Application & Consumption of Gold Food

Can you eat any gold leaf?

In principle, gold leaf from 22 carats is suitable for consumption. When buying, however, it should be noted whether the edible gold leaf has also been approved and tested by an independent testing institute such as the LGA. This is the case with the Gerstendöfer products offered here. In addition to the standard 80 x 80 mm gold leaf format, smaller gold leaf pieces with a size of between 3-15 mm or gold leaf flakes are also available for refining dishes. 

What can edible gold leaf be used for?

Edible gold leaf is usually used as a decoration for food. However, beverages such as sparkling wine or champagne are also often enhanced with the precious metal.

What does edible gold leaf taste like?

Gold and gold leaf itself produced from it are tasteless, as they are free of any flavoring agents. If gold leaf takes on a taste, it indicates contamination by, for example, another metal such as aluminum and should not be consumed.

Can edible gold leaf deteriorate?

Edible gold leaf always has an expiration date (best before date) listed. However, there is no use-by date for edible gold leaf. This means that gold leaf can still be consumed long after the best before date has expired.

Is edible gold leaf vegan?

The gold leaf offered at Gerstendörfer is free of animal ingredients and therefore vegan. There was also no animal testing of any kind in the development and manufacture of the products.

Can gold be digested?

A frequently asked question is also whether our body can digest gold. Provided that gold leaf is consumed, the question can be answered with a "no". The precious metal leaves the body without further detours and is not digested.

What quantity of gold leaf is suitable for consumption?

There are no precise, scientifically based guidelines on the exact amount of edible gold leaf that can be consumed. However, it is advised to use edible gold leaf only to enhance the appearance of food and not to consume it as a main food.

Cost & purchase edible gold leaf

Where can I buy edible gold leaf?

Edible gold leaf should only be purchased from certified manufacturers or dealers to ensure a pure product. There is a wide selection of edible gold leaf in the Gerstendörfer store. 

How much does edible gold leaf cost? 

The price of edible gold leaf depends on the current, general gold rate. Depending on whether the gold price rises or falls, the price of edible gold leaf also tends to do so. 

Cost & purchase edible gold leaf

Is gold harmful to the body?

The consumption of gold in normal quantities is completely harmless to the body, as the gold does not form a bond with the body. However, care should be taken to ensure that it is a pure product. If the edible gold leaf is contaminated with aluminum or similar substances, it is absolutely not recommended to consume it. 

What happens to the gold when I eat it?

After consumption, the gold leaf makes its way through the digestive tract and is eventually excreted without any digestive process.