What You Need to Know
The process relies on ionic cross‑linking of guluronic acid blocks in alginate with Ca²⁺ ions, creating a calcium‑alginate gel that acts as a semi‑permeable shell. The reaction occurs rapidly (seconds) at sub‑freezing temperatures, preserving volatile aromatics and preventing oxidation. The resulting shell is thin enough to allow the core to retain its liquid state while being mechanically stable.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Ionic cross‑linking of guluronic acid blocks in sodium alginate with Ca²⁺ ions to form calcium‑alginate gel