Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen (animal bones and connective tissue). It sets elastic, melt-in-the-mouth gels ideal for custards, panna cotta, and marshmallows.

How does gelatin thicken or gel?

Bloom gelatin in cold water, melt it gently (about 50–60°C), then cool. As it cools, its protein network traps water, forming a gel. Don’t boil—overheating weakens the set.

Can I make a vegan panna cotta without gelatin?

Yes. Use agar agar at about 0.7–0.9%. Boil 1–2 minutes to hydrate agar thoroughly, then chill to set. Agar gels are firmer and more heat-stable than gelatin.

What are reliable starter ratios for common thickeners?

Cornstarch: 1 Tbsp per cup liquid (slurry, then simmer). Gelatin: 0.5–1.5% (soft→firm). Agar: 0.6–1.0% (boil to hydrate). Xanthan: 0.1–0.3% for body (high-shear blend).

Why won’t my gelatin dessert set?

Common causes: under-blooming, boiling/overheating, or raw fruit enzymes (pineapple, kiwi, papaya) breaking down gelatin. Use canned fruit or heat the puree briefly.

Is agar stronger than gelatin?

Per equal percentages, agar sets firmer and remains stable at room temperature. Texture is more brittle; reduce dosage or blend for a softer bite.

How do I avoid xanthan gum clumps?

Dry-blend xanthan with sugar/salt first, then high-shear blend into liquid. No heat is required. Start low (≈0.15%) to avoid slimy mouthfeel.

Can cornstarch thicken acidic fruit sauces?

Yes, but acid and sugar can reduce viscosity. Add the slurry near the end of cooking or consider arrowroot for brighter, clearer fruit sauces.

PASSION FRUIT JUICE CAVIAR - Cape Crystal Brands

agar agar

faux caviar

spherifaction

vegan

vegitation

PASSION FRUIT JUICE CAVIAR

Name: VEGAN FAUX CAVIAR
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Modern
Ingredients: 1/2 cup vegetable oil (flavorless and one that remains liquid when chilled); 1/3 cup pure fruit juice, non acidic — meaning no citrus juice (passion fruit); 1/4 tsp. Cape Crystal agar agar powder (flakes or bars will not work)

August 5, 2023

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Simple but elegant vegan faux caviar. You can show off your brilliant gastronomy skills with this great little recipe using just passion fruit juice and agar agar. The objective is to encapsulate the fruit juice in spheres also known as spherification in modern gastronomy. Agar agar is a seaweed-based vegetarian gel, used as a thickener and useful in thickening all types of jellies, puddings, and custards.

About the Author

Ed is the founder of Cape Crystal Brands, editor of the Beginner’s Guide to Hydrocolloids, and a passionate advocate for making food science accessible to all. Discover premium ingredients, expert resources, and free formulation tools at capecrystalbrands.com/tools.

— Ed

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VEGAN FAUX CAVIAR

Chef Marvel Cook

Rated 1.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

Modern

Servings

4

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Calories

260

Simple but elegant faux caviar. You can show off your brilliant gastronomy skills with this great little recipe using just passion fruit juice and agar agar. The objective is to encapsulate the fruit juice in spheres also known as spherification in modern gastronomy. Agar agar is a seaweed-based vegetarian gel, used as a thickener and useful in thickening all types of jellies, puddings, and custards.

Ingredients

1/2 cup vegetable oil (flavorless and one that remains liquid when chilled)
1/3 cup pure fruit juice, non acidic — meaning no citrus juice (passion fruit)
1/4 tsp. Cape Crystal agar agar powder (flakes or bars will not work)

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Directions

STEP 1: Pour oil into a tall glass and chill (the oil must be cold).
STEP 2: In a very small saucepan, bring the juice and agar agar to a boil. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook 1-2 minutes until the agar agar is dissolved. Let it cool 3-5 minutes.
Fill a syringe or a squeeze bottle with the juice. Drop, one drop at a time, into the cold oil. Little caviar orbs will form on contact with the cold oil and fall to the bottom.
STEP 4: Strain caviar using a fine-mesh strainer or spherification spoon. Then rinse well with water. Lay on a paper-towel-lined plate and pat dry. Store caviar in water until ready to use.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (100g)
per serving: Calories; 260

Amount/Serving % Daily Value

Carbs: 4.6 grams; 2%
Cholesterol: 0 milligrams; 0%
Fat: 27.4 grams; 35%
Fiber: 2.1 grams; 7%
Protein: 0.4 grams
Saturated Fat: 5.4 grams; 27%
Sodium: 6 milligrams; 0%
Sugar: 2.2 grams
Vitamin D: 0 micrograms; 0%
Calcium: 2 milligrams; 0%
Iron: 0 milligrams; 2%
Potassium: 68 milligrams; 1%

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PASSION FRUIT JUICE CAVIAR