Edible images, also known as "edible sheets" or "edible paper", are thin, usually transparent sheets made from edible, non-toxic materials. They are widely used at La Boîte Pâtissière.
Here are some key facts about edible images:
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Ingredients and Manufacturing: Edible images are made from edible ingredients such as potato starch, sugar, corn syrup, gelatin and water. These ingredients are mixed to form a fine dough which is then rolled out into thin sheets. Edible ink is used to print images on these sheets.
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Printing: Edible images can be printed with special edible inks that are safe to consume. Dedicated food printers are used to print color images on the edible sheets.
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Application: To apply an edible image to a cake, it can be placed directly on the surface previously covered with icing or cream, after having removed it from the acetate. The moisture in the icing will soften the edible leaf, helping to secure it in place. Once applied, the edible leaf usually blends into the dessert and becomes virtually indistinguishable.
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Storage: Edible images are sensitive to moisture and heat, so it is recommended to store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. The edible leaves can last for a while if stored properly.
Here are some important points to consider regarding how edible images react to water and condensation:
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Moisture Sensitivity: Edible images are moisture sensitive, meaning they tend to absorb moisture from the environment. When exposed to moisture, they can become softer and more fragile.
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Reaction to Water: If an edible image comes into direct contact with water, it will begin to soften and dissolve. This can cause aesthetic issues if the image begins to distort or discolor. It is recommended to avoid directly wetting an edible image.
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Condensation: Condensation occurs when water vapor turns into liquid water on a cold surface. If a dessert decorated with an edible image is exposed to temperature variations, condensation may form on the surface of the dessert. This may affect the appearance of the edible image by making it softer and potentially partially melting it.
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Precautions: To avoid problems related to humidity and condensation, it is recommended to store desserts decorated with edible images in a cool, dry place until ready to serve. Prolonged exposure to humid conditions may degrade image quality. If you plan to serve desserts outdoors in hot, humid weather, be sure to protect them from excessive humidity.
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Application and Timing: If you are applying an edible image to a cake or dessert, it is generally best to do so shortly before serving. This helps minimize the time the image is exposed to moisture and condensation.
In summary, edible images can react negatively to humidity, water and condensation, which can alter their appearance. It is important to handle and store decorated desserts with care to avoid these problems and ensure that the edible images remain as beautiful as possible until it is time to enjoy them.
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