Can gum paste go in the fridge?
In this brief article, we will answer the question “can gum paste go in the fridge?”. We will also discuss the tips for storing gum paste.
Can gum paste go in the fridge?
No, you should not put gum paste in the fridge. However, if you have access to a commercial cake fridge or a home fridge that has been modified to be safe for cakes, you can refrigerate gum paste flowers for a short period of time.
Even though the food in a domestic refrigerator may have the sensation of being cold, the food is actually quite a few degrees hotter than the environment in which it is being placed, and it also generates moisture.
Sugar flowers will lose their shape and become soggy if stored in the refrigerator. In addition, sugar flowers will take on the flavor and aroma of nearby foods, even if it isn’t the intention to eat the flowers themselves.
While sugar flowers may be able to withstand the refrigerator’s cold environment, once removed and brought to room temperature, condensation may form and the flowers may begin to disintegrate.
How should gum paste be stored when it is placed in the refrigerator?
In the event that you have no other choice and need to store a lavishly decorated cake in a household refrigerator, there is a method for doing so; however, there is no assurance that the flowers will remain intact.
- Remove all of the other items from your refrigerator, give it a complete cleaning, and pat it dry with a kitchen towel.
- Use pure lemon juice to clean the shelves, drawers, and other surfaces in the refrigerator. You can rest assured that any lingering smells, including those left behind by cleaning products, will be gone after this step is taken.
- By adjusting the temperature of the refrigerator to its warmest setting, you can prevent the gum paste from becoming warm and decrease the amount of condensation that will form on the cake after it has been removed from the refrigerator and brought to room temperature.
- The fourth step is to refrigerate the finished cake by placing it in a cardboard box lined with silica gel sachets. Using a cardboard box will assist in absorbing any moisture that may be present.
- Take the cake out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you plan to use it so that it can come to room temperature in the packaging. If there is visible condensation on the cake, refrain from touching it so as to avoid leaving fingerprints and possibly damaging the flowers.
How should gum paste flowers be stored?
Following are the instruction you should follow when storing gum paste flowers:
- Be sure to thoroughly dry them. Before putting the dried flowers away, give them at least one more night to finish drying. In order to prevent their blossoms from becoming wilted due to gravity, some decorators even dry them in an upside-down position.
- Do not let any air in. When the flowers have lost all of their moisture, you should store them in a container that is airtight, such as a plastic jar with a lid.
- Padding is required. When you put your flowers in the container, line them with foam or tissue paper, especially if they are delicate.
- Combat the dampness and humidity. Sugar blossoms, just like real flowers, are susceptible to wilting in conditions of high heat and humidity. Place a slice of white bread in the container with the flowers so that the bread can soak up any extra moisture that may be present.
- Find a place that is both cool and dry. Maintain the proper temperature and relative humidity to prevent the colors from deteriorating.
What are the components of sugar gum paste?
Following are the components used for making gum paste:
- Icing sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, is the primary component of sugar gum paste and can be found in virtually all supermarkets.
- Sugar crystals are ground down into a powder during the manufacturing process, but not every brand is created equal.
- A fine-mesh sieve will reveal many unground crystals in products from some manufacturers. When making the delicate petals of flowers, this can result in a gum paste that has a grainy texture, which is not an ideal situation.
- Even if you find a brand that produces better results than the others, you should still pass it through a sieve before using it. The cheapest, store-brand option at the supermarket often turns out to be the worst option.
- In addition, other components of sugar gum paste include liquid glucose, egg white, white vegetable fat, and gelatine.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we have answered the question “can gum paste go in the fridge?”. We have also discussed the tips for storing gum paste.
