Chinese Ash water is a raw material in the kitchen used to cook and sweep the surface when making cakes such as moon cakes, rice cakes, ash cake, ... But there are still quite a lot of people still do not know the nature of ash water. What is the ship and how to use it. The following article will help you answer the previous information.
To have the best quality ash water, the ancients used to be processed in the most traditional way and used it to make cakes that make the crust harder and more beautiful. However, for those who have never known this material, the concept of ash water is still quite vague.
1. What is Chinese ash water?
What is Chinese ash water? This is a material processed from wood and wood by burning them to ashes. Then, take this layer of ash and stir well with water, wait for the ash to settle and decant the clear water. This is pure, traditional Chinese ash water used by the ancients until now. The composition of the Chinese ash water produced in this way includes many minerals, calcium, potassium, etc., so it has a strong alkaline property.
Chinese ash water is produced using safe natural materials
Currently, Chinese ash water are rarely produced in such a way that most use chemical Chinese ash water. This product is chemically called sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH). At the same time it is not only water but can also be made into granules, powders, pellets, ... easy to store and use.
2. The use of Chinese ash water
Since ancient times, grandparents have known how to use Chinese ash water to make cakes and make some dishes. The water of the Chinese ash is strongly alkaline to make the bread taste better, the cake has a longer aroma, making the crust soft and beautiful color. While cooking, the water is also used to win over sugar. Some types of cakes commonly used this material when processing are mooncakes, plain rice flan, black glutinous rice cake, small pyramidal glutinous rice cake, ...
Using Chinese ash water helps make moon cakes darker and more beautiful
Not only that, when making noodles, people use the Chinese ash water to help the flour soft, easy to knead, spin and shape, while helping the flour turn yellow. In addition, the Chinese ash water also has the effect of whitening fruits and vegetables. Chinese Ash water is also used to soak dried fish, make olive oil to reduce bitterness, canned citrus, etc.
3. Is the Chinese ash water harmful?
Basically, the Chinese ash water is a safe and non-toxic baking ingredient, so you can use it both in cooking and baking. However, in chemical Chinese ash water contains some toxic components that are corrosive, so you should pay attention when using. Chinese Ash water has the effect of balancing the pH, so when used in small amounts and not used continuously for a while, it will not affect health.
In addition, the Chinese ash water also has a great ability to catch fire, so when stored, it should be kept in a cool, dry place, low temperature, and should not be placed near a fire. Glass jars should be kept tightly sealed to ensure quality, and absolutely not contained in jars made of copper, magnesium, tin, aluminum, or zinc, as they can cause dangerous chemical reactions.
To ensure safety and not worry about the toxic of this product, it is best to choose a reputable dealer and carefully read the instructions for use and dosage appropriate for each item. cake.
4. How to make Chinese ash water at home
Currently, there is a lot of Chinese ash water but they are mostly chemical Chinese ash water. If you do not feel secure when using it, you can learn how to make Chinese ash water at home to ensure safety for your family's health.
Materials to prepare:
- Ash wood or wood
- Large plastic bottles
- A little rain water
- Boiled water to cool
- 1 clean cloth or bucket
Instructions on how to make Chinese ash water
Step 1: Rinse the large plastic container and allow to completely dry. Then put the charcoal ashes in this jar.
Step 2: Add rain water and boiling water to the flask. To check if the ash water is satisfactory, use a chicken egg to try. If the chicken eggs float about 1cm above the water surface is fine. If the eggs float higher, keep the bottle tightly closed and keep in a cool place for 2 days and continue.
Step 3: Choose a clean cloth to filter the ash water, remove the residue.
Step 4: Collect this ash water into a plastic jar overnight. The next morning filtered again to obtain the highest quality Chinese ash water.
5. Some notes when using Chinese water ash
- When using the Chinese ash water, pay close attention when taking out the solution because they have a high concentration of chemicals so it is easy to cause severe burns like acid.
- If using chinese ash water is shot in the eyes, it must be washed several times with water. If shot on people, limbs, after flushing much water should use lemon or vinegar to wash helps balance alkalinity.
- Store the Chinese ash water out of reach of children to avoid danger.
- Because the Chinese ash water is alkaline, it cannot be stored with aluminum, tin, etc.
The last information has helped you better understand what is Chinese ash water and how to use it appropriately to work best. Use this wonderful ingredient in your recipes to make them look appealing and delicious.
