Nitrous oxide, formerly known as laughing gas, is a colourless gas with a euphoric effect upon inhalation. It is a common ingredient in dental and surgical analgesia and has long been used as a recreational inhalant drug.
Adding a small amount of food-grade nitrous oxide can enhance the flavor, texture and appearance of a variety of foods.
1. N2O Enhances Flavor
Nitrous oxide is often used to enhance flavor in culinary applications. One of the most well-known applications is the whipping of cream.
The gas dissolves in aqueous substances and oil, creating air bubbles that stick together to create foam.
This technique is widely used in the food industry to reduce rotting and delay the ripening of fruit. It also inhibits ethylene production and prevents the oxidation of the fruits, which can affect their color and quality.
2. N2O Enhances Texture
Using Nitrous Oxide to aerate liquids and purees is a great way to make foods light as air! For example, you can use it to make Belgian Waffles lighter and fluffier.
In addition, it is an excellent preservative for meat products and can be used as a food additive for fruits. It helps prevent decay by depressing ethylene production and slowing down the ripening process.
3. N2O Enhances Dish Appearance
Adding nitrous oxide gas to baking dough can help reduce lactic acid which makes bread taste sour. It also helps to make the dough denser and pliable.
It is also used to freeze and chill food to extend its shelf-life. It is also useful in regulating the temperature when transporting chilled goods.
4. N2O Enhances Presentation
Nitrous oxide is a common ingredient in the whipping process of cream, which helps to create air bubbles that form foam. The gas also prevents the cream from becoming too runny and sticky.
Moreover, it is a great tool for chefs to make their dishes look more attractive. It is non-flammable and colorless, making it an ideal addition to a food’s presentation.
5. N2O Enhances Smell
Nitrous oxide is a colorless, nonflammable gas that has a sweet taste and a slightly metallic smell. It is commonly used as an anesthetic and in medicine.
It is also a powerful oxidizer. It is a major component of the stratospheric ozone layer, which in recent years has been depleting.
Nitrous oxide is sometimes used in candy making to add a fizzy and aerated feel to chocolates, caramels, and hard candies. It also helps maintain a steady temperature in the candies, so they don’t melt and break.
6. Nitrous Oxide Enhances Color
Nitrous oxide is a common ingredient in some types of food and drinks. It also has protective properties for preserving foods against oxidation and chemical changes.
One of the most interesting applications of nitrous oxide is its ability to improve the color and texture of meats. This is because it prevents the decay of red blood cells and helps delay the ripening process.
7. N2O Enhances Occasion
Nitrous Oxide is one of the most powerful Nitrogen sources in the food industry. It's a versatile substance useful in almost everything from making ice cream to dentistry.
It's also an excellent gas for freezing meats, vegetables, and baked goods. It helps to slow down the growth of bacteria and preserves their natural flavor.
8. N2O Enhances Taste
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a colourless, odorless, tasteless gas that, when inhaled, induces euphoria and pain relief. It is used in dentistry and surgery to reduce pain and discomfort.
The use of nitrous oxide for recreational purposes has become an emerging issue in some countries, particularly among young people. It is commonly sold by street-level dealers.