Edible Gold & Silver leaf

Gold leaf as well as Silver leaf is used to decorate food or drink, typically to promote a perception of luxury and high value; however, it is flavorless. It is found in desserts and confectionery, including chocolates, honey and mithai. In India it may be used effectively as a garnish, with thin sheets placed on a main dish, especially on festive occasions. When used as an additive to food, gold has the E-number E175.

In Continental Europe liquors with tiny floating pieces of gold leaf are known of since the late 16th century; originally the practice was regarded as medicinal. Well-known examples are Danziger Goldwasser, originally from Gdańsk, Poland, which has been produced since at least 1598, Goldstrike from Amsterdam, and the Swiss Goldschläger, which is perhaps the best known in the United States.