Edible silver leaf

Feuille d’argent alimentaire

What it is

Vark has topped Indian sweets since the Mughal courts, beaten between skins until it is thinner than gold leaf and far more fragile. Silver tarnishes: sulphur blackens it, which puts egg, onion, mustard and cabbage out of bounds underneath it.

In the kitchen

Apply it to dry, sulphur-free surfaces only, and last of all - on an egg-based cream it will brown within hours. Store the booklet away from rubber bands and wool, both of which give off enough sulphur to spoil a whole book.

Goes with

Cardamom Pistachio Almond Saffron Rose water Ghee Medjool date Honey

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