Dragon's Breath Controversy

Avleen Grewal
By Avleen Grewal
Choose something else for your frozen treat.
Dragon’s breath is an odd new food with some potentially serious consequences. The snack is made by dipping cereal in liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen was first used in a culinary context to freeze ice cream like Dippin Dots. It gave the ice cream a smooth texture because the ice cream froze quicker. 

José Andrés first came up with dragon’s breath in 2008. However, it didn’t become famous unil 2017 when it was used in an ice cream shop in California. After its creation, it became popular on all social media and was popularised regularly. This increased demand for Dragon’s Breath led to Oak Park Mall opening Magical Dragon Breath in their food court in July of 2018. As you bite down on the puff and slowly exhale, vapors are released through the mouth and nose. 

When I first tried Dragon’s Breath, the question arose if this was even safe. The employees at the Magical Dragon Breath at Oak Park Mall served Dragon’s Breath with skewers.  If it wasn’t safe to touch, how could it be safe to eat? I then rationalized it had to be safe since so many people were trying it. 

After going home and researching more about the harms of Dragon’s Breath, I regretted eating it. From my research, I learned that Dragon’s Breath is served with skewers to prevent frostbite from nitrogen’s low temperatures of -320 degrees. It can also cause skin tissue damage, suffocation, and internal injuries. Numerous cases have also been reported about people ending up in the hospital after eating Dragon’s Breath. Some have also complained of their teeth hurting and their tongue’s bleeding. FDA has issued a warning to advise people about the dangers of liquid nitrogen, but sadly nothing has been done to stop the manufacturing of Dragon's Breath.

Honestly, Dragon’s Breath didn’t taste that good either. I ate it less for taste, but more for the fun in seeing the vapors. Even if dragon’s breath is appetizing to some, is it really worth the risks that come with it?
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