How Gelatin Desserts Are Made

Gelatin Desserts are considered as one of the most-loved desserts all over the world. In the United Kingdom and in Ireland, gelatin desserts are often called “jelly”. In the United States and Canada, “jelly” is recognized as a preserved fruit or better known, as a “jam”.

Unprepared gelatin desserts are often sold in the form of flavored powder while ready-to-eat gelatin desserts are sold in different forms. The most poplar brands are the following:

• Kraft Foods Jell-O – This prepared gelatin is famous in North America.
• Rowntree’s Jelly – This brand is popular in the United Kingdom.
• Aeroplane – Number one gelatin brand in Australia.

In processing gelatin, it normally begins with boiling either pig skins or cattle bones –not adding the horns and hooves. After boiling, the resulting boiled skins and bones mix is drenched with either alkali or acid in large basins to extract protein collagen. After it is extracted, it will be dried. Then made into powder form by grinding.

To make gelatin desserts, the gelatin powder is added with sweeteners and additives like fumaric acid, sodium citrate, artificial flavorings and food color. Once they are all mixed, by using boiled water, a gel will be formed once it is pour into the gelatin powder As the gelatin cools down, the firmer the texture of the gel will become.

Gelatin is not only popular for desserts because it can also be used as a flavoring in liquors. Gelatin shot , better known as “vodka jelly” is very popular in the United Kingdom.

Different alternatives were developed as a replacement in the making of gelatin. Some gelatin desserts are made with synthetic ingredient like agar different from real gelatin that allows it to congeal a lot faster when subjected to hotter temperatures. Agar comes from seaweeds. It used in most gelatin products and other Asian jelly desserts. It is also the best alternative for vegetarians who love gelatin. Agar is also related closely to pectin and different gelling plant carbohydrates.

Carrageen is also a popular gelatin alternative to most vegans and vegetarians. This gelatin alternative gels much better than agar and is more used in “Kosher” cooking. Also made from seaweeds, carrageen produces a smell that is quite offensive when being prepared just like agar.

Gelatin desserts are delicious and fun to eat. You also have the option to eat gelatin alone or you can also add them in different salads like macaroni and vegetable salads. For easy preparation, you can buy ready-to-cook gelatin mixes from the grocery or food store.