Parchment is a word that comes from the French word for perch, which was the type of animal skin that was used to make this type of paper. The word parchment originally referred to an animal skin that had been treated with lime in order to make it more durable and less likely to rot.
But is parchment paper made from animal skin? Or is parchment paper plant-based?
Yes, parchment paper is vegan. Is coated with silicone, which is a synthetic polymer that is vegan. This makes it an ideal choice for vegans who are looking for non-stick and heat-resistant cooking and baking paper.
In this article, we explore:
- What Are the Ingredients of Parchment Paper?
- What Chemicals Are in Parchment Paper?
- What Happens If Parchment Paper Gets Too Hot?
- Is Wax Paper Vegan?
- Can You Use Aluminum Foil For Parchment Paper?
- The Bottom Line
1. What Are the Ingredients of Parchment Paper?
Parchment paper is made of paper that has been coated with silicone. The silicone makes the paper non-stick, heat-resistant, and water-resistant.
Paper is made from wood. The wood pulp is mixed with water and chemicals to form a slurry. The slurry is then poured onto a screen, and the water drains away, leaving behind a sheet of paper.
Most silicone is made up of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. These are all non-metallic elements that are found in abundance in the earth’s crust. You might be surprised to know that sand is mostly made of silicon. In fact, it is the second most abundant element in the world after oxygen.
Silicon is not found by itself in nature but rather in a combination with other elements such as oxygen. When it combines with oxygen, it forms silicon dioxide (or silica) which is the major component of sand.
In order to create pure silicone, silicon dioxide must go through a process called reduction where the oxygen is removed leaving behind only the silicon.
Once the silicon has been isolated, it can then be combined with other elements to create silicone. The most common element that it is combined with is carbon. This combination of silicon and carbon is what gives silicone the unique properties that make it so useful.
One of the great things about silicone is that it can be created in a wide range of hardness, from very soft to quite hard. This means that it can be used for a variety of applications where other materials might not work as well.
Silicone also has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion. This means that it won’t change shape or size very much when exposed to changes in temperature. This property makes it ideal for use in products that need to withstand extreme temperatures, such as oven mitts, gaskets, and parchment paper.
Silicone is also a very stable material. It doesn’t react with many other substances and it is resistant to UV light, meaning it won’t break down over time when exposed to sunlight.
All of these properties make silicone an ideal choice for use in a wide range of products, from medical implants to cooking utensils. It is a safe, reliable material that can be used in many different ways.
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2. What Chemicals Are in Parchment Paper?
Parchment paper is available in bleached and unbleached varieties. The main difference between the two types of parchment is the coloring.
Bleached parchment has been treated with the chemical dioxin to create a white color, while unbleached parchment retains its natural cream color.
If you’re looking for a safer option, choose unbleached parchment paper. While it doesn’t have the same bright white color as bleached paper, it is nontoxic and won’t release harmful chemicals when heated.
3. What Happens If Parchment Paper Gets Too Hot?
If parchment paper gets too hot, it can darken and turn brittle. However, it will not release noxious chemicals or catch on fire.
Parchment paper is rated for use at different temperatures, so be sure to choose a type that can withstand the temperature you’ll be using. If you’re not sure, err on the side of caution and go for a higher-rated option.
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4. Is Wax Paper Vegan?
Parchment paper and wax paper are both common household items that have a variety of uses. They can both be used for wrapping food, but there are some key differences that you should be aware of.
While parchment paper is coated with silicone, making it heat-resistant, wax paper is coated with paraffin wax, which does not resist high temperatures. Paraffin wax is a white or colorless soft solid derived from petroleum, coal, and shale oil that consists of a mixture of hydrocarbons.
Yes, wax paper is vegan, because the wax coating it has does not come from animal-derived sources.
Wax paper is not recommended for baking purposes. However, wax paper is better at repelling water, so it can be useful for wrapping up wet or damp foods.
5. Can You Use Aluminum Foil For Parchment Paper?
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Yes, you can use aluminum foil for parchment paper. However, there are some things to keep in mind when using it. Aluminum foil is not as heat resistant as parchment paper, so it may burn easily. It also doesn’t provide the same non-stick surface that parchment paper does.
If you’re looking for a substitute for parchment paper, try baking mats. Baking mats are made from silicone and have a non-stick surface that can be used over and over again. They are also heat resistant, so you can use them in the oven or even on the grill.
Parchment paper is generally cheaper and more widely available. It is also easy to use and can be disposed of after cooking. Baking mats, on the other hand, are more durable and can be used multiple times. They may cost a bit more upfront, but they will save you money in the long run.
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6. The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a safe, reliable, and vegan-friendly option for parchment paper, unbleached parchment paper is the way to go. This type of parchment paper is non-toxic and won’t release harmful chemicals when heated. It’s also more environmentally friendly than bleached parchment paper.
When it comes to parchment paper substitutes, baking mats are a great choice. They’re made from silicone, which is heat resistant and non-stick. Baking mats are also more durable than parchment paper and can be used multiple times.