What You Need to Know
Simmering at 85‑95 °C allows starch granules to swell and gelatinise, while collagen denatures into gelatin, creating a thick matrix. Acidic additions lower pH, inhibiting swelling and extending cooking time, and fat emulsions reduce syneresis. Brief boil‑downs above 120 °C promote Maillard reactions that deepen flavour.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Starch gelatinisation and collagen denaturation