How long can lye water last?
How long can lye water last?
To ensure the lye works properly, we recommend using it within one year of purchasing. It needs to be sealed tightly and stored in a dry place. Lye is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts moisture. If it’s exposed to moisture in the air it won’t be as effective in your recipe, and the soap may not saponify fully.
Can you store lye water?
The right kind of plastic container is the best choice for mixing and storing lye solution. Some plastics are resistant to alkali, others are not, so it is important to KNOW, not guess, what a plastic container is made of.
Does lye water need to be refrigerated?
Adding lye to water causes a exothermic reaction that causes the lye water to reach temperatures up to 200 ° F. Because the lye solution becomes so hot, it needs time to cool for soaping. If the lye solution is too cold, it can solidify the oils and butters upon contact.
Is it safe to use lye water on food?
It is a pretty common misconception that lye water is not good for consumption. But rest assured that this is actually safe to have in your dishes. This is because food-grade Lye water is not the same we use for industrial purposes.
How long does lye stay active?
Sodium hydroxide solution Sodium hydroxide solutions (often a 50 percent solution mixed with distilled water) experience chemical degradation much more quickly than dried forms. The shelf life of a sodium hydroxide solution is roughly 30 days when properly stored in a dark, cool place.
Does lye eat plastic?
Sodium hydroxide (lye) reacts with aluminum. Stick with stainless steel, heavy duty plastic and glass. Here are some options.
Does lye expire?
The shelf life of lye, sodium hydroxide, when properly stored is one year. After a year it is possible for your lye to work, but you should do a small batch to test whether the lye is still good. If it is actually expired, then it may not come to trace quickly or could separate after it is poured or set up.
How do you use lye water for noodles?
Instructions
- Add flour and salt to a mixing bowl. Mix water with lye water then pour into the flour gradually.
- Use your hand to bring the lumps together to form a rough-looking dough. As this dough is on the dry side, this process may take some time to finish.
What is lye used for 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).
How do you store lye?
Always store your lye in an air tight sealed container that is properly labeled. I prefer plastic but you can use stainless steel. Never use tin, zinc or aluminum. Lye reacts with these metals so they are not safe to use.
Can you reheat lye water?
You can safely reheat lye water when making soap, but you need to be careful. Heating it on the stove top can be dangerous and even microwaving it can cause problems. They trick is to heat it in a safe place and slowly. The best way to reheat lye solution is to use a hot water bath.
What does lye do to noodles?
Recipes That Require Lye Water Lye water helps the noodles to become elastic, springy, and slightly yellow. It also makes them less likely to become mushy when added to broths and soups. Cantonese Style Mooncakes (月饼). Lye water is used to raise the PH of the dough (neutralize the acid in the syrup).