Lecithin

Botanical Name- Derived from Soy Beans (Glycine max)
Origin- USA
Extraction- Gummed Soybeans
Shelf life- 18-24 months
Notes- No solvents were used in the extraction of this organic liquid Lecithin. It is currently listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) as a multi purpose food additive. Stores well under most conditions but extremes in temperature may cause a loss in quality. Ideal storage conditions are no less than 40 degrees and no higher than 100 degrees. Liquid Lecithin is a thick viscous semi solid resembling molasses and it may become further liquefied using a double boiler, microwave oven, or you may place it in a pot of simmering water for 10-20 minutes. The line of lecithin offered by Mountain Rose Herbs is suitable for both food and cosmetic purposes. Organic Soy lecithin contains a natural mixture of triglycerides, phospholipids and glycolipids with a small amount of carbohydrates.

Specifications

Color- Brown
Odor- Heavy resembling oil fats
Size-
Acetone insolubles- 61.15%
Acid value- 3.5
Hexane insolubles- 0.16%
HLB Value- 4-6
Soybean oil- 37%
Moisture- 0.18%
Peroxide Value- 0.7 meq/kg
Total plate count- 900 cfu/g

Phosphatide Value

Phosphatidycholine- 16.4%
Phosphatidylethanolamine- 10%
Phosphatidylinositol- 10.2%
Phosphatidic Acid- 2.60%

A Brief Introduction

Lecithin is a wonderful ingredient to add to your culinary and body care recipes.  It contains many beneficial properties, and is used as an emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer, mild preservative, moisturizer, and emollient.  Lecithin can be utilized in almost any recipe, and is commonly found in both food and cosmetic products.  Cosmetically, it may be added to moisturizers, makeup, shampoos, conditioners, body washes, lip balms, and many other products.  It is a great alternative to other emulsifying and stabilizing agents, some of which are derived from petrochemical sources.  For food use, lecithin is often found in chocolate, baked goods, salad dressing, and many other prepared foods.  The organic liquid Lecithin sold by Mountain Rose Herbs is derived from soybeans, making it a much safer ingredient to use for our bodies.

Cosmetic Use

Liquid Lecithin may be easily added to your products by simply blending it into your recipe. The amount of Lecithin used depends upon the recipe type and size, and on the product thickness desired.  However, a general rule is 1/2-1 Tablespoon for a 19 oz batch of cream.  We recommend experimenting with the amount in small batches.

Culinary Use

Made from organic soybeans, our Lecithin is a healthful and invaluable culinary ingredient.  Lecithin is utilized throughout the food industry as an emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer, moisturizer, and mild preservative.  It is often present in vegan or low fat cooking as an alternative to fat in baked goods, and improves moisture and texture at the same time.  It may be added to a variety of baked items including breads, cakes, casseroles, and cookie dough as an anti-caking, pan release, and moisturizing agent.  Bakers also employ Lecithin for its ability to help dough rise, create uniformity and suspension in the batter, and to lessen the dough’s tendency to be sticky while kneading.  In addition, Lecithin is commonly used for its emulsifying properties in mayonnaise, margarine, shortening, salad dressing, and other water-oil combinations.  For the same suspending and emulsifying properties, it is added to various sauces, gravies, soups, nut butters, and gravies.  Lecithin is an important ingredient in chocolate, caramels, confectionary coatings for spattering control, to prevent crystallization, and as an emulsifier.  In addition, it is also wetting, dispersing, and emulsifying tool for powdered products, such as cake mixes, cocoa powder, and instant powder mixes.

Medicinal Applications

Summary

Because of its many health and cosmetic benefits, this is truly an amazing ingredient.  Lecithin may be easily added to your culinary or cosmetic recipes.  We recommend that you try this wonderful product yourself, as it may prove to be a key ingredient for your overall health and well-being.