A printed edible image can last up to 12 months if stored properly in a cool, dry place. However, there are many factors that can affect the quality and shelf life of an edible image, such as the type of paper, ink, frosting, and cake. In this article, we will explore some of the best practices and tips to preserve your printed edible image and make it look great on your cake.
A printed edible image is a thin sheet of edible paper that has an image printed on it using edible ink. The paper is usually made of starch, sugar, and food coloring, and the ink is made of water, glycerin, and food coloring. The edible image can be applied to various types of cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other desserts using frosting, fondant, or water.
How to Store a Printed Edible Image?
The most important thing to remember when storing a printed edible image is to keep it away from moisture, heat, and light. Moisture can cause the image to fade, bleed, or dissolve. Heat can cause the image to melt, crack, or curl. Light can cause the image to lose its color and brightness. Therefore, you should store your printed edible image in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry, cupboard, or drawer. You should also keep it in its original packaging, or in a ziplock bag or an airtight container, to prevent dust and dirt from getting on it.
Before applying a printed edible image to your cake, you should make sure that the cake is flat, smooth, and dry. You should also make sure that the image is at room temperature and not frozen or refrigerated. To apply the image, you can use one of the following methods:
Frosting: This is the easiest and most common method to apply an edible image. You simply need to spread a thin layer of frosting on the cake, peel off the backing paper from the image, and gently place the image on the frosting. You can use any type of frosting, such as buttercream, cream cheese, whipped cream, or ganache, as long as it is not too wet or oily.
Fondant: This is another popular method to apply an edible image, especially for cakes with a smooth and professional look. You need to roll out a thin layer of fondant and cover the cake with it. Then, you need to moisten the back of the image with a small amount of water, and press it onto the fondant. You can use a fondant smoother or a rolling pin to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles.
Water: This is a simple and quick method to apply an edible image, but it may not work well for some types of paper or ink. You need to spray a small amount of water on the cake, and then place the image on the wet surface. You should be careful not to use too much water, as it can cause the image to smudge or run.
After applying a printed edible image to your cake, you should avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, heat, or humidity. You should also avoid touching it with your fingers, as it can leave marks or fingerprints. If you need to refrigerate or freeze your cake, you should cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and bring it to room temperature before serving. You should also cut the cake with a sharp knife, and not a serrated one, to avoid tearing the image.
Conclusion
A printed edible image is a fun and easy way to decorate your cake and make it more personalized and attractive. However, you should also be aware of the factors that can affect its quality and shelf life, and follow the best practices and tips to preserve it. A printed edible image can last up to 12 months if stored properly in a cool, dry place, but it is recommended to use it as soon as possible for the best results.
