Does ethanol evaporate in dried food?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the evaporation of ethanol in dried food products, particularly in the context of food flavorings that utilize ethanol as a solvent. Participants explore whether all ethanol evaporates during the drying process and the implications for individuals with ethanol allergies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether all ethanol completely evaporates when food is dried, particularly regarding its safety for individuals with ethanol allergies.
  • Another participant asserts that ethanol is produced by humans in significant quantities and suggests that the presence of ethanol in dried food may not be a concern for those with allergies.
  • A later reply humorously acknowledges the previous point while questioning the possibility of ethanol remaining after drying and whether it can form a powder.
  • One participant claims that ethanol evaporates before water during the drying process and states that ethanol cannot take a powdered form.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the presence of ethanol in dried foods and its implications for allergies. There is no consensus on whether traces of ethanol remain after the drying process.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the assumptions regarding the complete evaporation of ethanol or the conditions under which it might remain in dried food products.

alphacat92
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I was wondering, if ethanol is used in a food, as it commonly is with food flavorings (as a solvent), and that food is then dried out such that It is made into a powder or cereal or something, does all the ethanol completely evaporate? I know ethanol is very volatile and has a low boiling point, but does that mean that if, say, a person with an ethanol allergy eats this food, he won't be affected because there's no traces of ethanol?
 
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Yes, if ethanol allergic reaction is the criterion. Ethanol is an essential and integral component of metabolism, humans producing it in grams per day quantities.

Unfortunately an assertion of non-existence cannot be sustained without examination of the entire universe of discussion, searching for the Black Swan of induction, and not possible here for the 7 Billion humans.
 
Haha good point. The reason I said ethanol allergy was because I figured if someone would be deadly allergic to a food if it had any traces of ethanol in it, then being able to eat it probably means its good enough.

On a side note, is it even possible to have ethanol present after drying? Can ethanol form a powder if dried? Or is it a safe assumption that if the food is dry then ethanol is gone?
 
Ethanol is gone long before water is gone. And no, it can't take a powdered form.
 

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