Using lye dip for german rolls / pretzels

[wheels]

Oddley

Lye is obviously used in food manufacture (It's E number is e524). It just seems to be a case of getting a food grade product.

A quick Google has produced this:

http://www.reagent.co.uk/sodium-hydroxide.html

and this:

http://www.reagent.co.uk/acatalog/Sodiu ... NaOH_.html

I'm assuming that one of the ones they list may be food grade.

I hope this helps your quest for the authentic product. Please let us know how you get on.

Phil

[NCPaul]

I don't have a problem with the use of sodium hydroxide to make pretzels (or to brine olives, another use). Scandinavian Lutefisk on the other hand, frightens me. I would offer two cautions however (which others have made); first it is imperative to use food grade product. A lot of the sodium hydroxide produced is made by electrolysis and the batteries have mercury and lead in them. Food grade sodium hydroxide (here at least) is signified with "FCC". My second caution is to protect your eyes. Sodium hydroxide is corrosive to your skin (will make it feel soapy), but it is absolutely devastating if it comes in contact with the eye. The most common products with a large concentration of sodium hydroxide are oven cleaner and drain opener, so many may have handled this chemical safely already.

[NCPaul]

Here is a link to food grade specifications (in the US).

https://www.spectrumchemical.com/OA_HTM ... 3&ic=S1303