What is alum for cooking?

1. Preservative: Alum acts as a preservative in pickles and other food items, preventing spoilage and enhancing shelf life.

2. Texture Enhancer: It helps preserve the firmness and crispness of vegetables, particularly in pickles.

3. Color Brightener: Alum, when added to boiling water for vegetables like cauliflower, helps maintain their vibrant color.

4. Tenderizer: Alum is traditionally used to tenderize meats, allowing for quicker and more effective cooking.

5. Pickling Agent: In the preparation of traditional pickles, alum contributes to the desired texture, flavor, and overall quality.

NOTE: While alum has culinary applications in specific regions and historical recipes, it's important to note that it is generally not recommended for regular use in modern cooking. The consumption of excessive amounts of alum may pose health risks. Food-grade alum is specifically processed to remove impurities, but excessive consumption should still be avoided.

In modern culinary practices, safer and more widely accepted alternatives to alum for preservation, tenderizing, and enhancing food qualities are commonly used. Consult reliable food safety resources and guidelines before using alum or any other additives in cooking.