Description

Calcium hydroxide, traditionally called slaked lime, hydrated lime, slack lime or pickling lime, is a chemical compound with the chemical formula Ca(OH)2. It is a colourless crystal or white powder, and is obtained when calcium oxide (called lime or quicklime) is mixed, or "slaked" with water. It can also be precipitated by mixing an aqueous solution of calcium chloride and an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. Dried cod fish is soaked in a mixture of slaked lime and soda to produce a soft-fleshed fish fillet that is steamed or baked and served with potato lefse.

How to select

Check the food grade and the best before date before buying.

Culinary Uses

" In Native American and Latin American cooking, calcium hydroxide is called "cal". Corn cooked with cal becomes nixtamal which significantly increases its nutrition value, and is also considered tastier and easier to digest
" In chewing betel nut or coca leaves, calcium hydroxide is usually chewed alongside to keep the alkaloid stimulants chemically available for absorption by the body.
" Similarly, Native Americans traditionally chewed tobacco leaves with calcium hydroxide derived from burnt shells to enhance the flavor.

How to store

Store diluted slaked lime in an airtight container.

Health benefits

" Slaked lime is known to have a strong anti-microbial effect and is a bone-regeneration stimulant