It has come to my attention that dihydrogen monoxide (DHMO) — a powerful solvent linked to thousands of deaths each year — is a common additive in many foods, including breads and other baked goods. It seems I may have even unwittingly added it to my own breads on occasion — yikes!
I urge you to inform yourselves about this potentially lethal chemical, and decide for yourselves whether it is a risk you’re willing to take.
Steve says
You can always substitute Scotch!
Q says
good thing paid attention in high school chemistry so as to better understand these rare chemical compounds….. And though I’ve never tried adding scotch to my baking, I have added wine on more than one occasion (even bad wine can add a lovely color to a loaf..)
chris says
noooo, there’s dhmo in scotch too!
Jeanne says
Oh no! My favorite pizza dough recipe contains DHMO! What to do?
Lori says
What exactly were you adding to your breads that has dhmo? I read a little of the pages you linked to.
Susan says
Lori, you should check all the links. Especially the last one — read the whole thing. This will give you an idea of why dhmo is often found in bread.
Stefanie says
lol 😀
I did not check your page yesterday but the thought of DHMO in bread… So dangerous. We have to find another way for our breads! But we can not stop with the dough, we have to think of the baking process and that everyone (me too!) suggested to use gaseous DHMO to get a better oven spring and nicer crust colour. You even posted about how to make gaseous DHMO about three years ago.
Susan says
Stefanie, thank you for pointing this out. I’m not sure what I was thinking there. Gaseous DHMO is especially dangerous as it can cause severe burns.
SallyBR says
You naughty baker! Adding DHMO to your breads!
Being a biochemist, I actually know what is REALLY behind DHMO – it is a potent aphrodisiac, particularly when mixed with a wild yeast…
🙂
Linda says
I vow never ever to add DHMO to any baked goods again. Cooked ash, anyone?? It’s most tasty!
Jonathon says
Di-hydrogen Monoxide, also known as H2O or more commonly known as WATER
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dihydrogen_monoxide_hoax
gah says
Party pooper
Aaron says
you must be kidding as DHMO is simply water
Susan says
Aaron — yes. Note date of post. 😉
Melissa L. says
Susan, you’re a nut! Thank you for the good laugh 🙂
Lori says
Oh my God- I feel like an idiot. or should I say fool. Your killing me.
Janknitz says
You had me going for a moment because I didn’t see this post on the first!
Luckily my brain (albeit slowly) figured it out before panic set in and I checked the date. ;o)
mlaiuppa says
One of the most notorious websites used for the promotion of information literacy.
I used to have quite a few bookmarked, for instructional purposes only of course, but this one has always been my favorite.