Some candies have a beautiful, glossy shell that resembles a glass coating. On one hand, it’s just an aesthetic addition – after all, the candy will soon be crunched by a tooth, perhaps already weary from cavities. But on the other hand, it looks truly elegant and enticing.
What gives sweets this unique shine? The answer is shellac, also known by its more technical name, E 904. While the name might sound mysterious, it’s a natural product, far removed from synthetic chemicals or plastics. Shellac is derived from an insect called the lac bug, which also plays another role in gastronomy – its crushed bodies are used as a red dye. However, in the case of shellac, we’re talking about the secretion of these insects, which feed on specific types of trees in Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand. The lac bugs extract resin from beneath the tree bark, digest it, and then excrete it onto the branches. This sticky substance forms a protective layer for the insects’ larvae.
At some point, someone came up with the idea of collecting these branches, scraping off the insect excretions along with bits of plants, lac bug remains, and other debris. The material is then ground, purified, and processed until it becomes a thick mass. After drying in the sun, this mass transforms into shellac – a versatile material used in many industries.
Shellac is not only used to give candies their shine. It also serves as a natural wood varnish, a dye for fabrics, and, historically, was a key material in the production of gramophone records. Fun fact: in Germany, old records are called “Schellackplatte.” In 1896, Emil Berliner, a German entrepreneur, replaced ebonite, previously used for making records, with shellac. This made the records more durable and improved their sound quality.
Moreover, shellac found its way into the aviation industry. In the early 20th century, it was used as a component of protective coatings for airplanes, valued for its flexibility and resistance to external factors.
Shellac has an even richer history and broader range of applications than one might think. In ancient India, it was used as a protective lacquer for wood and jewelry, as well as for making seals. In modern times, it became indispensable in crafting luxury furniture, musical instruments, and even in the preservation of artworks – shellac perfectly protected surfaces from moisture and dirt while giving them a subtle shine.
In the food industry, apart from giving candies their gloss, shellac is used as a protective coating for fruits like apples and citrus, helping them stay fresh and visually appealing for longer. In pharmaceuticals, it is often employed as a coating for tablets, protecting them from moisture and enabling controlled release of active ingredients.
Interestingly, shellac also found its place in art – it was used as a medium in painting and as a component of polychrome sculptures. In the 1930s, when shellac dominated gramophone record production, the demand for this material was so enormous that it became one of the key export goods of Southeast Asia.
Today, despite the development of synthetic substitutes, shellac is still valued for its natural origin and unique properties. Its history is a testament to how a simple material, derived from insects, can become an essential element in so many aspects of life – from candies to art and technology.
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