Gellan Gum is a type of thickener that has recently gained popularity in the food industry. Each 100 grams of Kelcogel (Cf) Gellan Gum contains around 300 calories, making it a high-energy food additive.

It is commonly used to replace gelatin in vegan recipes due to its ability to create gels and stabilize emulsions. Gellan Gum is also used in various processed foods such as desserts, sauces, and beverages. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of using Gellan Gum, its usage in cooking, health risks associated with consuming it, and more.

If you're curious about Gellan Gum and its applications, keep reading to find out everything you need to know.

What is Gellan Gum?

Gellan Gum is a polysaccharide produced by the bacterium Sphingomonas elodea. It was discovered in the early 1970s by the Kelco Company, which is now a part of CP Kelco. Gellan Gum is created through microbial fermentation and can be extracted through various techniques. It is a water-soluble ingredient that forms gels when heated and cooled, making it a popular vegan substitute for gelatin. Gellan Gum can also stabilize emulsions and create suspensions, making it suitable for a variety of processed food products. Additionally, Gellan Gum is considered safe to consume as it is not metabolized by the human body.

What are the benefits of using Gellan Gum?

Gellan Gum offers several benefits when used as a food additive. It is a natural thickener that can replace synthetic thickeners like carrageenan and xanthan gum. Gellan Gum also allows for the creation of stable gels without requiring refrigeration. It creates smooth, glossy textures in processed foods and can improve the overall mouthfeel of a product. Additionally, Gellan Gum is vegan-friendly and does not affect the taste or color of food products.

How is Gellan Gum used in cooking?

Gellan Gum can be used in a variety of ways in cooking. It can be used to create gels, thicken liquids, and stabilize emulsions. Gellan Gum is highly versatile and can be used in a wide range of food products, including desserts, sauces, and beverages. It is important to note that Gellan Gum can only be activated when heated, as it requires high temperatures to dissolve completely. Therefore, it should be added to a recipe during the heating process.

What are the health risks associated with consuming Gellan Gum?

While Gellan Gum is generally considered safe to consume, some people may experience digestive issues after consuming large quantities of it. Additionally, Gellan Gum can sometimes be contaminated with other harmful substances during the manufacturing process, so it is important to purchase it from reputable sources. As with any food additive, it is recommended to consume Gellan Gum in moderation.

How does Gellan Gum affect food texture?

Gellan Gum can significantly impact the texture and mouthfeel of a food product. It can create smooth, glossy textures in processed foods and improve the overall viscosity of a liquid. Gellan Gum is also highly stable, allowing it to maintain the desired texture of a food product even when exposed to environmental stressors like heat or cold temperatures. Overall, Gellan Gum can be used to enhance the texture and visual appeal of a wide range of processed foods.

How is Gellan Gum different from other thickeners?

Gellan Gum differs from other common thickeners like carrageenan and xanthan gum in several ways. Unlike carrageenan, Gellan Gum does not require potassium salts to form gels. Additionally, Gellan Gum can create a wider range of textures and is more heat-stable than carrageenan. Compared to xanthan gum, Gellan Gum has a higher viscosity and is slower to dissolve, making it better for hot liquids and processed foods that require extended cooking times.

Where can Gellan Gum be purchased?

Gellan Gum can be purchased from various online retailers and specialty food stores. It is important to purchase Gellan Gum from reputable sources to ensure product safety and quality. When purchasing Gellan Gum, it is also important to consider the texture and quality of the product. For example, some Gellan Gum products may create a hard gel that is difficult to work with in recipes that require softer textures. Ultimately, the best Gellan Gum product for a particular recipe will depend on the specific desired texture and application.

What are some recipes that use Gellan Gum?

Gellan Gum can be used in a wide range of recipes, including vegan desserts, sauces, and beverages. Some popular recipes that use Gellan Gum include vegan cheesecakes, panna cotta, and fruit gels. Gellan Gum can also be used to create unique textures in savory dishes like soups and gravies. Ultimately, the versatility of Gellan Gum makes it suitable for a wide range of culinary applications.

How much Gellan Gum should be used in a recipe?

The ideal amount of Gellan Gum to use in a recipe will depend on the specific desired texture and application. In general, most recipes that use Gellan Gum call for around 0.5-1% of the total weight of the liquid or product being thickened. It's important to note that using too much Gellan Gum can result in a hard, rubbery texture, while using too little may not provide sufficient thickening. It may take some experimentation to find the ideal amount of Gellan Gum for a particular recipe or application.

What are the storage requirements for Gellan Gum?

Gellan Gum should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It should also be kept in an airtight container to prevent exposure to moisture and humidity. When stored properly, Gellan Gum can have a shelf life of up to two years. However, it is important to check the expiration date on the product and discard any Gellan Gum that has passed its expiration date. It is also recommended to store Gellan Gum separately from other food products to prevent contamination.