Food-Grade Silicone

Food-grade silicone is gaining great popularity in the food industry. We find it in the form of colourful moulds for cakes or various types of desserts, or as kitchen utensils (silicone sheets, spatulas, etc.). The characteristics of silicone are many, and first among them is its ability to be used at both low temperatures (-40°) and very high temperatures (250°), transitioning from cold to hot without any issues. The ability to be used in both the oven and the microwave makes it a very versatile and practical material. The only drawback is that, being a soft and flexible material, one must be very careful when using moulds with liquid mixtures. In this case, it is advisable to place the mould or cake tin on a baking tray or on the oven rack, and then fill it with the liquid mixture. It is also worth noting that dishes cooked in silicone moulds cook in less time. Before using silicone moulds, conduct a test bake to eliminate any residues from the manufacturing process. It is recommended to make a mixture of flour, fats, and sugar, place it in the mould, and bake it in the oven. Once baked, remove it and dispose of it. Regarding the quality of silicone products in the food sector, the best is made with a platinum catalyst, known as platinum silicone, which is free from toxic substances; while that made with a peroxide catalyst is used only in non-food applications.