Kaolin Clay Powder
Kaolin is a pure white clay mined from the earth, and while it sounds industrial, it has a long history in traditional food and folk practice going back centuries.
What It Is
Kaolin is a naturally occurring mineral clay, soft and chalky, with almost no taste or smell. It is composed mainly of the mineral kaolinite and has been used across cultures, particularly in parts of Africa, the American South, and Central America, as an edible clay, a practice called geophagy. It is also a traditional clarifying agent in winemaking and cider, where it binds to fine particles and helps liquid settle clear.
It is not a flavoring and not a spice. It is a mineral with a specific set of uses, and those uses are narrow but well established in both folk tradition and food production.
What To Do
In home winemaking or cider making, kaolin clay is stirred into the liquid at a rate of about one to two teaspoons per gallon, left to settle for a day or two, then the clear liquid is racked off the top. It does the same clarifying work in fruit juices.
Outside of beverages, this is a product for specific projects. Store it in a sealed container away from moisture and it will keep indefinitely. If you are new to edible clays, a little research into traditional use is a good place to start before cooking with it.
