Borax

Borax is a natural mineral compound, chemically known as sodium tetraborate. It generally appears as white crystals or powder and is widely used in various industrial and domestic applications.

In the context of cooking and recipes, borax is not a food or edible ingredient, so its direct use in food preparation is not recommended due to its chemical properties and potential toxic effects if ingested. However, in some regions of Latin America, borax is occasionally used in traditional techniques for preserving or curing certain products, always under very strict control and in minimal amounts, although this practice is neither common nor advisable in most modern recipes.

Borax is primarily extracted from deposits in regions such as California (United States), the Atacama Desert (Chile), and countries in Central Asia.

Properties: It has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which contribute to its use in industrial preservatives and in cleaning products and detergents. It is water-soluble and can alter the texture of some foods if used in inappropriate amounts, which is why its use in the kitchen must be careful and responsible.

Substitutes and synonyms in Latin America: Although the term "borax" is the most common, in some regions it is also known as "sodium tetraborate" or simply "borate." It has no frequent culinary synonyms due to its limited application in cooking.

Important: For culinary uses, safe ingredients approved for consumption should be preferred, and reliable sources should be consulted before using chemicals like borax.