Vark

Vark (also varak, Waraq, or warq) is a fine <a href="/facts/Filigree/y4CVIbc3">filigree</a> <a href="/facts/Metal_leaf/rqacqMrJ">foil</a> sheet of pure metal, typically <a href="/facts/Silver/xXe41BGg">silver</a> but sometimes <a href="/facts/Gold/1znknojp">gold</a>, used to decorate <a href="/facts/Indian_sweets/GU3hljky">Indian sweets</a> and <a href="/facts/Indian_cuisine/3kvMt2Nh">food</a>. The silver and <a href="/facts/Edible_gold/4Uu8JEIW">gold are edible</a>, though flavorless. Vark is made by pounding silver into sheets less than one <a href="/facts/Micrometre/7eDFxD2L">micrometre</a> (μm) thick, typically 0.2–0.8 μm. The silver sheets are typically packed between layers of paper for support; this paper is peeled away before use. It is fragile and breaks into smaller pieces if handled with direct skin contact. Leaf that is 0.2 μm thick tends to stick to skin if handled directly.
Vark sheets are laid or rolled over some Indian sweets, confectionery, dry fruits and spices. It is also placed onto mounds of <a href="/facts/Saffron/wjB3p2ld">saffron</a> rice on platters.
For safety and ethical reasons, the <a href="/facts/Government_of_India/BIpETqjv">Government of India</a> has issued food safety and product standards guidelines for manufacturers of silver foil.

Vark open-in-new

Vark