What You Need to Know
Sodium alginate reacts with calcium ions to form a gel-like substance, creating the sphere. The reaction occurs almost instantly, but the spheres may take several minutes to form and set. Sodium alginate is dissolved in cold water, while calcium chloride is dissolved in water at room temperature.
Key Parameters
Equipment
syringeperforated spoonpH meter
Steps
- 1.
Olive oil pearls (Spain): Encapsulates liquid fat bursts
- 2.
Soy sauce caviar (Japan): Concentrates umami in edible spheres
- 3.
Mango boba (Taiwan): Modernizes bubble tea textures
The Science
Primary Reaction
gelation