Agar agar powder, a versatile gelling agent derived from red algae, plays a significant role in Chinese cuisine and traditional medicine. Its unique properties make it an essential ingredient for various dishes, from desserts to savory meals. Understanding agar agar’s cultural significance and culinary applications can enhance your appreciation of Chinese gastronomy.

In this guide, readers will explore the origins of agar agar in China, its nutritional benefits, and its various uses in cooking. We will delve into traditional recipes that highlight this ingredient, as well as modern adaptations that showcase its versatility. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of agar agar powder and how to incorporate it into your culinary repertoire.

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Agar Agar Powder – Food Hydrocolloid Supplier in China

Agar agar is a hydrocolloid extracted from red seaweeds that is widely used in the food industry and in certain scientific and industrial applications. As one of the professional and experienced agar agar powder suppliers in China, we have extended know-how and experience in the research, application, and use of agar agar, so we could provide a full range of agar products, and one-stop-shop customized solutions perfectly matched to the needs of our customers.

Technical Features of Agar Agar

Agar agar is known for its unique properties that make it a preferred choice in various applications. Below is a comparison table highlighting its technical features:

Feature	Description
Appearance	Off-white to yellowish powder
Moisture Content	≤ 12%
Total Ash	≤ 5%
Gel Strength	700-1200 g/cm² (Nikkan Method)
pH Level	5-7
Mesh Size	80-100
Water Insoluble Matter	≤ 1%
Heavy Metals	≤ 20 ppm (Pb ≤ 3 ppm, As ≤ 2 ppm, Cd ≤ 1 ppm, Hg ≤ 1 ppm)
Microbiological Count	Total plate count ≤ 5000 cfu/g, Yeast & Mold ≤ 300 cfu/g

Types of Agar Agar

Agar agar comes in various forms and grades, each suited for different applications. Below is a comparison table of the different types of agar agar:

Type	Description
Agar Agar Powder	Fine powder used for gelling and thickening in food products.
Agar Agar Strips	Thin strips used for quick dissolving and easy application in culinary uses.
Instant Agar	Quick soluble agar that dissolves at lower temperatures (≥ 55 °C).
Agarose Powder	Purified form of agar used primarily in laboratory applications.
Food Grade Agar	Specifically processed for use in food products, meeting safety standards.
Bacteriological Agar	Used in microbiology for culturing bacteria, ensuring no contamination.

Applications of Agar Agar

Food Applications

Agar agar is widely used in the food industry for various applications, including:
– Desserts: Water dessert jellies, puddings, and flans.
– Confectionery: Gummy candies and jellies.
– Dairy Products: Yogurts and ice creams.
– Soups and Sauces: As a thickening agent.

Non-Food Applications

In addition to food, agar agar is utilized in:
– Microbiology: As a solidifying agent for culture media.
– Pharmaceuticals: Used as a laxative and in drug formulations.
– Biotechnology: For plant tissue culture and dental molds.

Conclusion

Agar agar is a versatile hydrocolloid with a wide range of applications in both food and non-food industries. Its unique properties, such as high gel strength and thermal stability, make it an essential ingredient for manufacturers. Suppliers like Gino Biotech and Gum Stabilizer provide high-quality agar products tailored to meet diverse customer needs. Whether you are looking for agar for culinary uses or scientific applications, understanding the different types and their features will help you make informed decisions.

FAQs

1. What is agar agar made from?
Agar agar is derived from the cell walls of red seaweeds, primarily Gelidium and Gracilaria species.

2. How is agar agar used in food?
It is used as a gelling agent, thickener, and stabilizer in various food products, including desserts and dairy items.

3. Is agar agar suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, agar agar is plant-based and serves as a perfect substitute for animal-derived gelatin.

4. What are the health benefits of agar agar?
Agar agar is low in calories and fat, high in soluble fiber, and can aid in digestion.

5. Where can I buy agar agar powder?
You can purchase agar agar powder from suppliers like Ausenchem and China Fooding.
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