Consuming raw or concentrated lye (sodium hydroxide) is never safe and is highly dangerous, causing severe chemical burns, internal tissue destruction, perforation of the esophagus, or death. However, food-grade lye diluted in water is used safely in culinary applications like curing pretzels, bagels, and Chinese noodles, as the cooking process renders it harmless.
While lye is used as a cooking agent in some instances, even the food grade solutions are extremely caustic, and, undiluted, are actually classed as poisons in some instances. It is corrosive to the body, especially mouth, throat and stomach, and can cause serious damage to the eyes.
😋 Lye has a pH of around 13, whereas baking soda has a pH of around 8. This extra alkalinity accelerates the Maillard reaction, allowing that caramelization to develop on the exterior of the pretzels. That ultra-deep color and slightly crispy, crunchy exterior crust is only made possible with lye.
Lye's discovery and first uses revolved around soap. The ancient Babylonians and Romans are believed to accidentally discovered the cleaning properties of lye. Archaeological excavations have found soap used in Babylon from 2800 B.C., when animal fat and cooking ash mixed in water and made lye-based soaps.
Lye water is a strongly alkaline (caustic) solution which can cause severe injury in the form of corrosive burns, especially to the throat, oesophagus and stomach if swallowed. These injuries can result in hospitalisation and permanent damage in severe cases.
What sets the Original Amish Farm Soap apart is its commitment to natural ingredients. The soap is made from a blend of coconut oil, palm oil, tallow, water, and natural glycerin. These ingredients are combined through a meticulous process of saponification, resulting in a soap that is both moisturizing and cleansing.
It is true that the words "lye" or "sodium hydroxide" do not appear on the Dove ingredient label. But, the first ingredients listed were sodium tallowate, sodium cocoate, and sodium palm kernelate. So you can guess what I told her! Yes, Dove is made with lye!
To make lye in the kitchen, boil the ashes from a hardwood fire (soft woods are too resinous to mix with fat) in a little soft water, rainwater is best, for about half an hour. Allow the ashes to settle to the bottom of the pan and then skim the liquid lye off the top.
Providing The Iconic Characteristics 🥨 Lye breaks down the amino acids and starches into smaller particles, giving pretzels that deep brown color, chewy rich texture, and glossy shine.
Lyes are used to cure many types of food, including olives and cocoa (making them less bitter), canned mandarin oranges, lye rolls, century eggs, pretzels, candied pumpkins, and bagels. Lye is the curing agent and namesake of the traditional Nordic lutefisk, a type of preserved fish.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the EPA have not classified sodium hydroxide for carcinogenicity in humans.
(Lye-dipped pretzels are perfectly safe to eat after baking; the heat of the oven neutralizes the alkali.) If dipping in lye, you must read “How to Work with Lye Safely” before proceeding. Alternatively, use the baking soda dip. Food-safe lye and pretzel salt are available at specialty baking shops and online.
Lutefisk is stockfish that has been soaked in water, placed in lye, and then soaked in water again! How on earth did someone come up with such a strangeidea? Lutefisk is one of the longest-standing Norwegian Christmas traditions, and may be the original Norwegian Christmas dinner.
No, Amish communities generally do not use condoms or other modern contraceptives, viewing children as blessings from God, but some individuals might quietly use natural methods for health or economic reasons, though it's discouraged and not universally enforced, with practices varying slightly by district.
While mainstream society quickly embraced toilet paper's convenience and hygiene benefits, many Amish communities continued using traditional materials like leaves, rags, or corn cobs for personal sanitation.
Because dental care can be expensive and difficult to access, some Amish choose to have all their teeth removed early and replaced with dentures. This is sometimes a more practical and affordable option than paying for ongoing dental treatments—even among young adults and teenagers.
Lye has a pH of around 13 whereas baking soda has a pH of around 8. This extra alkalinity accelerates the Maillard reaction, allowing that caramelization to develop on the exterior of the pretzels. That ultra deep color and slightly crispy, crunchy exterior crust is only made possible with lye.
Typical "soaps" contain detergents which dry out skin and fragrances which irritate skin. GRANDMA'S Lye Soap contains none of these. Highly recommended for dry skin. May ease skin discomfort caused by psoriasis, eczema, acne, or winter dry, itchy skin.
To get started, the lye needs to be mixed with a liquid like distilled water. As it dissolves, it has an exothermic reaction that causes a dramatic temperature increase. Lye in room temperature water can reach up to 200° F. The mixture also creates fumes, which should not be inhaled.
Quicklime has been used since the Early Iron Age, in wars, mass graves and today by criminals, as there is a belief or social myth that it can speed up the process of decomposition of bodies. However, there are no studies on the effect of this chemical on decomposing bodies in a tropical climate.
Emmanson Godswill. Table salt, also known as sodium chloride, is a crucial ingredient in embalment fluid. It helps to preserve the body by dehydrating the tissues and controlling the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Lime is commonly used in human burials, but its effects on bodies are not clear at all. Different short-time experimental studies concluded that lime does not inhibit the decomposition of bodies.
