How is lye used in cooking?

Sodium hydroxide, an alkaline compound that has been used for centuries to cure olives, make hominy from corn, to alkalize cocoa, and in some Asian cuisines. Dunking pretzels in a lye bath before baking is what gives them their characteristic shiny, mahogany-colored shell.

Is lye harmful to humans?

Lye is a caustic substance that can certainly damage your skin if you’re exposed to it. It can cause a number of problems, such as burns, blindness, and even death when consumed.

What is 100% lye used for?

Lye Uses. Lye is most known for its use as a drain cleaner, not necessarily for its role in making soap. It can also be used for making paper, glass, textiles and some cleaning supplies.

Why is lye in food?

Food. Lyes are used to cure many types of food, including the traditional Nordic lutefisk, olives (making them less bitter), canned mandarin oranges, hominy, lye rolls, century eggs, pretzels, bagels, and the traditional Turkish pumpkin dessert Kabak tatlısı (creating a hard crust while the inside remains soft).

Does lye eat through metal?

Lye will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron and steel. It should be stored and mixed in ceramic, stoneware, glass or heat-resistant plastic containers. Glass should be used with caution because it may break due to the heat released when lye reacts.

What can I mix lye in?

I do not recommend metal containers for mixing or storing lye solution, but metal — preferably stainless steel — is always better than glass. Plastic. The right kind of plastic container is the best choice for mixing and storing lye solution.

Where do I find lye?

Lye used to be available in the supermarket but not anymore. You might be able to find it in some hardware stores often in the drain cleaning section next to the Draino. In order for that lye to be effective in soapmaking, you need to make sure that you are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide.

What are some uses for lye?

Lye is a chemical used for a variety of purposes, including making soap, performing chemistry demonstrations, making biodiesel, curing food, unclogging drains, disinfecting floors and toilets, and synthesizing drugs. Because it can be used to make illegal drugs, lye may be hard to find in a store.

Is Lye a mixture?

Lye is a chemical when its mixed with water it can cause chemical burns because of the reaction it has. lye is a base and is neutralized by an acid, vinegar. When Lye is in powder form it is completely harmless until it comes in contact with water.

What is the systematic name of lye?

Systematic name: Sodium hydroxide: Other names: Lye, Caustic Soda: Molecular formula: NaOH: Molar mass: 39.9971 g/mol: Appearance: White flakes: CAS number [1310-73-2] Properties; Density and phase: 2.1 g/cm³, solid: Solubility in : water 111 g/100 ml (20°C) Melting point: 318°C (591 K) Boiling point: 1390°C (1663 K) Basicity (pK b) 0.2: Hazards; MSDS: External MSDS: EU classification