Alum - Glossary of Chinese Ingredients and Cooking Terms

Definition: Consisting of crystals of potassium aluminum sulfate, alum was commonly used in canning before it was discovered that it can cause gastric distress in some individuals. Although still considered safe in small quantities, depending on individual tolerance, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) no longer recommends its use for home canning. In Chinese cuisine, alum is one of the ingredients traditionally used to make deep-fried crullers.


Definition written by Rhonda Parkinson

Also Known As: Aluminum Sulfate