What You Need to Know
The process involves dropping a sodium alginate solution into a water bath containing calcium chloride, resulting in the formation of a sphere due to ionic cross-linking. This reaction is influenced by factors such as pH, temperature, and concentration of the reactants. The spheres can be used to add visual and textural interest to dishes.
Steps
- 1.
Olive Oil Spheres (Spain): Encapsulation of premium oils
- 2.
Caviar Substitutes (Japan): Texture mimicry
- 3.
Cocktail Spheres (USA): Liquid delivery system
The Science
Primary Reaction
ionic cross-linking