If you’re a cake decorator or sugar crafter, you may have heard of Tylose Powder. But what exactly is it and why is it so important in the world of fondant and gum paste?
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Tylose Powder, from its uses to its benefits and everything in between. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, read on to discover how this simple yet powerful ingredient can take your sugar crafting to the next level.
What Is Tylose Powder?
Tylose Powder, also known as Tylopur Powder or CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose), is a fine white powder used in the creation of sugar pastes such as fondant and gum paste. It is a hardening agent that, when added to fondant, creates a quick and simple version of gumpaste or modelling paste.
Without a hardening agent like Tylose Powder, fondant figurines and sugar craft would not hold their shape. This can be disappointing after putting in so much effort into the modelling work. Tylose Powder is an essential ingredient for cake decorators who want to create intricate and detailed designs with fondant and gum paste.
The Uses Of Tylose Powder In Cake Decorating
Tylose Powder has several uses in cake decorating, making it a staple ingredient in any cake decorator’s toolkit. Here are some of the most common uses of Tylose Powder:
1. Making Gumpaste: Gumpaste is a type of sugar paste that is used to create intricate and delicate sugar flowers, leaves, and other decorations. Tylose Powder can be added to plain fondant to create a quick version of gumpaste. This saves time and effort as compared to making gumpaste from scratch.
2. Hardening Fondant: Adding Tylose Powder to fondant makes it harder and more durable, allowing it to hold its shape better. This is especially useful when creating figurines, 3D cakes, and other detailed designs.
3. Making Edible Glue: Tylose Powder can be mixed with water to create an edible glue that can be used to attach sugar decorations to cakes or to stick fondant pieces together.
4. Creating Edible Paints: Tylose Powder can be mixed with food coloring and water to create edible paints that can be used to paint designs on cakes or other baked goods.
5. Extending the Shelf Life of Sugar Paste: Sugar paste made with Tylose Powder has a longer shelf life than regular fondant or gum paste. It can be stored for up to a month in an airtight container without losing its shape or texture.
The Benefits Of Using Tylose Powder In Fondant And Gum Paste
There are several benefits to using Tylose Powder in fondant and gum paste:
1. Hardening Agent: As mentioned above, Tylose Powder is a hardening agent that helps fondant and gum paste set hard. This is important when creating figurines or sugar craft as it ensures that the finished product holds its shape and doesn’t collapse or sag.
2. Cost-Effective: Tylose Powder is less expensive than other gums on the market, making it a cost-effective option for cake decorators.
3. Easy to Use: Tylose Powder is easy to work with and can be added to plain fondant to create a quick version of gumpaste. Simply knead a little at a time into the ball of fondant until you feel the consistency change and become firmer.
4. Holds Up Better in Humidity: Compared to other hardening agents, Tylose Powder holds up better in humid conditions. This is important for cake decorators who live in areas with high humidity levels.
5. Whiter in Color: Tylose Powder produces a whiter color than other hardening agents, making it ideal for creating white or light-colored sugar craft.
How To Incorporate Tylose Powder Into Your Sugar Crafting
Incorporating Tylose Powder into your sugar crafting is a simple process that requires only a few steps. The most common question asked about using Tylose Powder is how much to use in the fondant. Unfortunately, there is no exact guide as different factors, such as humidity, can influence the end result. However, the best way to gauge how much to use is by kneading a little at a time into the ball of fondant you are using.
To begin, take a small ball of fondant about the size of a golf ball and knead in approximately 1/2 tsp of Tylose Powder. As you knead, you will start to feel the fondant consistency change and become firmer. If you have added too much Tylose Powder, the fondant will be too hard to knead and work with. In this case, you can add some more fondant to the mix.
It’s important to note that you should only mix the Tylose Powder into the fondant when you are going to use it. If you mix the fondant too far ahead of time, it will set before you are ready to use it. When you have made your decorations, leave them overnight to completely set.
Tylose Powder can also be used to make edible glue and edible paints for cakes and cookies. Simply mix the powder with water until it forms a paste-like consistency, and it’s ready to use.
Tips And Tricks For Working With Tylose Powder
Working with Tylose Powder can be tricky, but with the right tips and tricks, you can achieve amazing results. Here are some helpful hints to keep in mind when using Tylose Powder:
1. Use small amounts and knead it in gradually: The amount of Tylose Powder needed can vary depending on the humidity levels in your environment. It’s best to start with a small amount, such as 1/2 tsp per golf ball-sized ball of fondant, and gradually knead it in until you reach the desired consistency.
2. Only mix when ready to use: It’s important to only mix the Tylose Powder into the fondant when you are ready to use it. If you mix it too far ahead of time, the fondant will set before you are ready to work with it.
3. Store properly: Tylose Powder should be stored in an airtight container and kept in a cool, dry place.
4. Use for specific purposes: Tylose Powder is best used for creating figurines and sugar craft that require a hardening agent. It can also be used to make edible paints and flower paste.
5. Don’t overwork your fondant: Overworking fondant by adding too much powdered sugar or vegetable shortening can cause it to crack or become crumbly. Knead fondant until it is pliable, and avoid adding too much of any ingredient.
6. Adjust for humidity levels: In areas with high humidity, more Tylose Powder may be needed to achieve the desired consistency. In dry areas, less may be needed.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can create beautiful and intricate designs with fondant and gum paste using Tylose Powder as a hardening agent.
Conclusion: Why Tylose Powder Is A Game-Changer For Sugar Crafting
In conclusion, Tylose Powder is a game-changer for sugar crafting because it provides decorators with the ability to create intricate and detailed designs that would otherwise be impossible with regular fondant. By adding Tylose Powder to fondant, decorators can create a quick and simple version of gumpaste or modelling paste that will harden and hold its shape. This is especially important for figurines and sugar craft that need to be sturdy and durable.
One of the great benefits of Tylose Powder is its versatility. It can be used to make edible glue, which is useful for attaching decorations to cakes and other baked goods. It can also be used in homemade modelling paste to add more consistency and prevent deformation. Additionally, Tylose Powder is less expensive than most gums on the market, making it an affordable option for cake decorators.