Contents
Ethylmaltol is a food flavor enhancer with the synonymous name E637. This is one of the universal additives, as it is used in various areas in human life.
In the industrial sector, ethyl maltol acts as a chemical compound that significantly improves the taste and aroma characteristics of various food products.
Characteristics of the food additive
In many sources, a food flavor enhancer can be found under the name ethyl maltol. It has the appearance of a powdery substance and a crystalline structure, usually white. Very rarely seen with a creamy or yellowish tint.
The food additive has a pleasant caramel-fruity aroma and a fruity sugary-sweet taste.
The physical properties of food enhancer allow it to melt at temperatures above 90 degrees.
E637 is highly soluble in organic chemical compounds and monohydric alcohol. It has an average level of solubility in water.
Where can I find ethyl maltol E637?
Very often, this powdery substance can be found in dairy products, chicory, malt, burnt sugar, bread crust. An interesting fact is that ethyl maltol can be found even in the needles of coniferous trees, more often in the needles of Siberian fir.
The flavor enhancer is formed during the caramelization of sugar.
In the industrial sector, ethyl maltol is obtained as a result of alkaline hydrolysis (destruction of chemical bonds in a highly alkaline environment) of streptomycin salts.
In Russia and neighboring countries, the main purpose of this food substance is to impart and enhance the flavoring properties of sweet food products, confectionery, dairy and sour-milk foods, as well as ice cream.
In addition, E637 is added to gastronomic products, such as mayonnaise. In this way, the manufacturer softens the sharpness and muffles the harshness of acetic acid in low-fat foods. Very often, a flavor enhancer is added during the production of a large number of low-calorie products. Thus, the effect of fat content is created, and the product is saturated with more harmonious and rich tastes.
This food additive is widely used in the perfume industry, because ethyl maltol contributes to a significant enhancement of other odors and aromas. It is these features of the substance that make it possible to use it in the perfume and cosmetic industry.
Name | Ethylmaltol (Ethyl maltol) |
---|---|
A type | Additive in the food industry |
Category | Aroma and taste enhancer |
Description | Additive with a chemical index (E600-E699). Hides unpleasant natural flavors of various foods |
It is a powdery substance that has a crystalline structure.
What industries are used?
This component, as we said above, refers to the universal. It has found its application in many industries, for example:
- At the perfumery. It is added in the production of perfumes as a fragrant component.
- Pharmaceutical. It imparts sweetness and flavor to some medicines.
- In the culinary industry in the production of many sweets and confectionery products. Also in the production of low-calorie products, while creating a feeling of fat.
- Vaping (electronic cigarettes).
Thanks to such components, it is possible to significantly improve the taste of many foods. It is also possible to reduce the consumption of flavorings in the manufacture of liquid substances during vaping.
Application in the food industry
Ethyl maltol is officially allowed to be used in the production of various foodstuffs. Manufacturers of all countries use the substance to enhance the taste.
This element has flavoring and aromatizing properties that contribute to enhanced perception of a range of flavors.
Its taste power is much greater than that of maltol (almost 7 times).
Basically, the food additive is intended for the production of all kinds of sweets. Also, this substance is able to give taste and aroma to gastronomic products.
If you add 2-3 ml of ethyl maltol per kilogram of low-calorie foods, you can give them a feeling of fat. Thus, the taste is able to be enriched and harmonized.
How does it affect the human body?
Experts in this industry still cannot give a definitive answer to the question of how ethyl maltol affects the human body. Even when conducting scientific experiments, they cannot come to a consensus, since this component is used in conjunction with others.
So it can be assumed that ethyl maltol has a negative effect on the human body. As a result, the EU countries categorically prohibit its use in the food industry.
Also, experts have not determined and scientifically proven the maximum allowable dose for human safety.
Some opponents of nutritional supplements tend to argue that a certain danger exists. They explain their findings by the fact that the component is of synthetic origin and during its production substances can be formed that have a negative effect on the human body. As a result, dysfunction of vital processes in the human body may begin.
In our country, E637 is allowed by law. Therefore, many manufacturers use it in the production of various foods.
Harm to the body
All flavor and aroma enhancers that companies use to make their products are natural, synthetic and natural identical.
There is no particular harm to humans, the only thing is that they can cause addiction to certain products. And the saddest thing is that you can get used to low-quality products.
Here you need to think logically, because, for example, fresh meat absolutely does not need such additives, but instant mashed potatoes or noodles without their addition will be inedible.
As a rule, such products can provoke overeating and obesity. There are frequent cases of allergic reactions.
These components are beneficial to all producers, because they significantly increase the shelf life of food.
Storage method
If you are using a nutritional supplement at home, then you must strictly adhere to the storage rules.
First, after you open the bottle for the first time, do not forget to close it tightly. Remember that the vial must always be securely closed. Otherwise, all its properties will evaporate.
Secondly, it should be stored in a dry place. It is strictly impossible to allow moisture to enter the bottle, otherwise it will lose its taste characteristics. It is also worth protecting the E637 from direct sunlight.
Thirdly, you need to use before the end of the shelf life. You can not use an expired supplement. This can have a huge impact on your health.
Many of these food additives to improve flavor and aroma are banned in some states, but they are used by other countries. You have to decide what food to eat.