India, Aug. 15 -- If you have ever picked up a piece of kaju katli, barfi or peda, chances are you have noticed the thin, shiny silver layer on top. Known as vark, varak or warq, edible silver leaf has long been associated with Indian sweets and festive food. But why do traditional mithai makers use silver? Is it purely decorative, or does the practice have a deeper history? Let's find out. (Also read: Everyday explained: Why do airplane windows have rounded edges? )

Vark is an extremely thin sheet of edible silver. It is made by repeatedly hammering silver until it becomes so thin that it can be placed delicately over sweets and other foods. Unlike ordinary silver foil, food-grade vark is specifically produced for culinary use. It is ge...