Acetic Acid

Baking By Trac Brax Updated 11 Jan 2013 , 12:18am by shanter

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Trac Brax Posted 10 Jan 2013 , 2:30pm
post #1 of 7

I am struggling to find a pharmacy/shop that sells small bottles of glacial Acetic acid. I use it in my royal icing.

Does anyone know where I can find it in the UK?  I can order it on-line, but the delivery charges are ridiculous!

Any help, much appreciated.

 

Tx

6 replies
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BakingIrene Posted 10 Jan 2013 , 2:43pm
post #2 of 7

Go to your local college or university chemistry department.  They usually have a stockroom, or ask a professor for help. Explain what you need it for.

 

Ask them to help you buy a 500mL bottle of glacial acetic acid, HPLC grade.  This is perfectly clean for food use. Most chemical supply houses accept personal credit cards when the goods are delivered to a laboratory.  You might even get a significant discount when it is delivered to an educational institution. The delivery charges will be based on a flat fee, or they might be waived because educational institutions receive regular deliveries by truck.

 

You want to get a sealed bottle, do not ask for some to be poured from a larger jug. It will come sealed into a plastic bag which you should save for storage at home.  When you pour this stuff into your smaller bottle, do it outdoors.  Use a plastic funnel and wear the same disposable gloves that you would use for food handling. Wear eye googles with splash shields (the kind sold for painting).

 

Keep the 500mL bottle in a cool place in a sealed plastic bin.  It will last 10 years at least.

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auzzi Posted 10 Jan 2013 , 11:20pm
post #3 of 7
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Dayti Posted 10 Jan 2013 , 11:39pm
post #4 of 7

Despite reading through the wikipedia page for Glacial Acetic Acid, I still don't get why you would use it in royal icing. What does it do?

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Relznik Posted 10 Jan 2013 , 11:45pm
post #5 of 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dayti 

Despite reading through the wikipedia page for Glacial Acetic Acid, I still don't get why you would use it in royal icing. What does it do?

I know that adding lemon juice strengthens the royal icing...  so I suspect this is what the OP wants it for?

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Dayti Posted 10 Jan 2013 , 11:58pm
post #6 of 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by Relznik 

I know that adding lemon juice strengthens the royal icing...  so I suspect this is what the OP wants it for?


I guess so...but why not just use lemon juice?

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shanter Posted 11 Jan 2013 , 12:18am
post #7 of 7

Or vinegar or cream of tartar.

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