FOOD PRODUCTS

CONFECTIONER'S GLAZE - Technical Information

Maple Leaf brand glazes are alcohol solutions of various types of food grade shellac. These are available in various concentrations or "LB cuts" which refers to the pounds of the lac resin dissolved in one gallon of alcohol to make a particular cut of glaze.

These glazes are used extensively in the food industry as a natural sealer which improves the general appearance of the product, extends the shelf life, provides good moisture protection and stops the coated product from sticking together when packaged.

Coloured confections coated with Maple Leaf Brand glaze will have greater colour stability and reduced bleeding which is extremely important in cake and ice cream decorations. Other applications where glaze would be used include:

• malted milk balls      • chocolate covered and sugar coated peanuts & raisins      • jelly beans & licorice      • gum balls      • soft centres & hard shell candies

Maple Leaf Confectioners glaze is available in two different forms:

1. Food grade Refined (Dewaxed) Confectioners Glaze

This glaze is made from a wax free shellac. Since it is wax free, it has a lower viscosity allowing for a higher solids application. Clear or Refined Glaze provides quick uniform drying, superior colour retention, prolonged appearance and taste over extended time periods. The finished product will have a clear brilliant finish and enhanced clarity.

MAPLE LEAF CONFECTIONERS GLAZE - Technical Specifications

Refined Glaze:

2. Food grade Regular White Confectioners Glaze

This glaze is made from a shellac which contains approximately 5% of the naturally occurring lac wax. As a result of this wax, the solution will have a higher viscosity than a similar wax free cut which will allow for a quicker film build-up on porous confections. The finished product however, will not have the sharp, clear finish that the wax free glaze provides. In addition, the superior water resistance found in the wax free grade is somewhat reduced.

Regular White Glaze:

A Ganeral Guide to Pan Coating Confections

The basic goal of any panning process is to provide a sealed uniform high gloss finish on pan coated confections. Many variables in the panning process must be carefully controlled to achieve this. Since no two coating processes are the same, this guide is intended only as a general outline which can be adapted to suit individual production systems.

Temperature and humidity control are two of the most important keys to successful pan coating.

Preparing the pieces to be coated with Confectioners Glaze is also an important step in the panning process. It is essential that the confections are fully cured prior to treatment with the confectioners glaze. This is generally achieved by allowing the coated goods to set hard in a temperature and humidity controlled room.

When you have determined that the pieces are completely dry and cured, glazing can be carried out in a coating pan.

In a standard coating pan, add the pieces to be glazed and start tumbling. The best results will be obtained when the coating pan is filled to its maximum capacity. Apply a predetermined amount of glaze to the centre of the tumbling pieces. Coverage will depend on the size and type of confection being coated. The volume of glaze to be added depends on the individual preference and the LB cut being used, but an industry standard would be 3 to 8 oz of Confectioners Glaze per 100 lbs of product.

After the glaze has been added and mixed through the product, cool dry air should be forced into the pan until the coating is dry and a shiny gloss is obtained. An exhaust fan should be used in the pan to vent the alcohol fumes.

This procedure will take anywhere from 5 - 15 minutes depending on what type of equipment is being used. Once it is completed, remove the glazed pieces from the pan and store in a temperature and humidity controlled environment until ready for packaging and shipment.

Our technical staff is always available to make recommendations and assist confectioners to get the best possible results with your products when using our Maple Leaf brand Confectioners Glaze. Specialized coatings can be formulated to meet any specialized requirements for existing or new product lines.