The agar agar is a vegetable jelly obtained from red algae, used as a substitute for glue of fish in the kitchen. It is completely vegetable, free of gluten and ideal for vegan preparations. It has powder or in bars and is used to thicken sweets, ice cream, jams and savory dishes. Compared to the gelatine, the Agar Agar has a greater capacity for geling and solidifies to room temperature, without the need for refrigeration.
THE’Agar Agar It is a geling substance of natural origin that is obtained from some algae And that has a very delicate flavor. This feature makes it suitable for different types of both sweet and savory preparation.
What is Agar Agar
Note in Japan also with the name of Kanten, the agar agar is nothing more than a mix of red algae. It is a high -high mucillagini and carragenin polysaccharide able to transform liquids into jellya feature that makes it particularly useful in the kitchen.
It is made using the gelatinous part of Red algae of the Rodoficee family (Among these, the Gelidium, Gracilaria and Euchema). To prepare the Agar Agar, boil the algae in the water and other substances and then make themselves dry. The procedure serves to make him lose coloring but above all the typical aftertaste of algae.
Replaces industrial jellies
Not everyone knows that the industrial jellies which are commonly found on the market to be used in the preparation of sweets or savory recipes are not of vegetable origin, but animal. The preparation that is called “fish glue” contains in its ingredients substances of animal origin such as Bovino cartilages and pigs. In this regard, it should also be paid to the ingredients contained in the gummy candies intended for the little ones, often rich in gelatines of animal origin, as well as choral dyes, preservatives and cerful coverings.
A Possible fully vegetable substitute for industrial jellies of animal origin It is precisely the agar agar that is quick to prepare and equally effective.
What properties the agar agar has
AGAR AGAR are attributed laxative and purifying properties. This mix of red algae seems to be able to activate the processes of eliminating toxins within the body. In Japan it has been used for centuries especially because of the slimming properties which boasts, so much so that in the country of the Rising Sun would have been conceived a diet based on food prepared with the use of this gel seaweek extract.
The East is also considered a valid help to combat diabetes and for encourage intestinal regularity. The laxative properties of the agar agar would be in favor of weight loss and part of its ability to appease the sense of hunger in case of excessive appetite. The effect of form a gel in the stomach It would explain the ability to increase the sense of satiety.
It is also considered a adjuvant suitable for Improve constipation situations. As for its nutritional content, the Agar Agar presents football, iron and vitamins of group A, B, C, E and K, against a reduced caloric intake.
Finally, it is a product of naturally gluten -free.
In summary of the Agar Agar it is a natural substance that also boasts some properties:
• Laxative
• purifying
• slimming
• favors intestinal regularity
• Placa the sense of hunger
• Contains vitamins and minerals
• it is gluten -free
How many calories has Agar Agar
The agar agar practically does not bring calories to the preparations, it is in fact a product it provides 26 calories per 100 grams and that is used in small doses. We also remember that it does not contain fat.
How many types there are Agar Agar
On sale you will find Agar Agar in different forms: in powder, threads or bows To be used for the preparation of roofs for tarts, puddings, aspic of both fruit and vegetables, jams and jams, vegetable “cheeses” and any other preparation that requires the use of a gelling.
The flakes and Agar Agar threads They are simply obtained by extraction from algae. Represent the More natural version but at the same time the least geling. It will therefore be necessary to use a greater quantity than the powder version, for which a further processing process is carried out, which contributes to making its geling power more effective. The agar agar powder it is however completely natural and vegetable, but it appears more concentrated.
In summary it is possible to find Agar Agar in:
• Dust
• threads
• Fiocchi
Where is it
Agar Agar is still a very niche product and it is really difficult to find it in the common supermarkets. It is available instead in the Biological shops, in online shops natural power supply and in herbalists well provided. Other stores where you can find the Agar Agar are the shops that treat products of oriental origin or suitable for those who follow macrobiotic power supply.
What a dosage to use
Generally 2 g of agar agar I am able to Geling 500 ml of liquid or 500 grams of jam or jam. However, always refer to the quantitatives and procedures recommended on the package.
How to use Agar Agar
Independently if you have agar agar powder, threads or bows, it must be paid inside hot liquids (such as water, fruit juices, vegetable milk for the home preparation of puddings and vegan “cheeses” or jams during preparation) And let it cook mixing for a couple of minutes. The Agar Agar gelifies at a temperature between 35 and 40 degrees. Therefore the appearance of the gelatin will take place when the liquid is placed to cool and have almost reached the ambient temperature.
If the Agar Agar is used for the preparation of jellies for tarts, the liquid obtained must be poured on the fruit even before it completely solidifies. The gelatin will complete its formation later. Buddes, aspics, tarts and other preparations to be consumed cold in which the agar agar has been used can be transferred to the refrigerator to obtain dishes with a well solid consistency. Calculate to use 2 teaspoons of agar agar powder for each liter of liquid and, depending on whether it is powdered, in wires or flakes, adjust the precise quantities based on the instructions on the packaging. As for the agar agar in bows, they are usually sufficient from 3 to 4 teaspoons per liter.
Use
As we said The agar agar is excellent for ice cream maker:
• Semifreddi
• jelly for tarts
• jams
• Sweet and savory Aspic
• Pudding
• Jams
• Patè
• Cake glazes
• vegetable cheeses
The agar agar, given its neutral flavor, is also a valid substitute for eggs in sweet recipes to make sure that the dough is linked and thickened.
Recipes with Agar Agar
We present some recipes in which you can Use Agar Agar instead of traditional jelly.
Vegan coconut pudding
Ingredients
Preparation
In a saucepan, mix coconut milk with the agar agar. Bring to the boil, mixing constantly for two minutes. Add the maple syrup and vanilla. Pour into molds and let it cool at room temperature. Transfer to the refrigerator for at least an hour until completely solidifies.
Multifrutta gelatin
Ingredients
1 liter of mixed fruit juice
2 teaspoons of agar agar powder
Fresh fruit cut into small pieces
Preparation
Mix the agar agar with fruit juice in a saucepan. Bring to the boil, mixing for two minutes. Arrange the fresh fruit in a mold, gently pour the still hot liquid. Leave to cool at room temperature, then cool in the refrigerator for at least two hours until complete solidification.
Other recipes
Agar Agar -based chocolate
There are those who have thought of making a low -fat chocolate using the Agar Agar. In a laboratory of the University of Warmick, some scientists have developed a more lean alternative to the traditional chocolate that replaces the fat present in this food of the microscopic jelly bubbles based on agar agar. The researchers noticed that this alga, heated in the right way, solidifies to the same temperature as the chocolate and together it makes everything less fat but also richer in fiber. Thanks to these substances, among other things, you could be able to keep your appetite at bay. However, the possibility of buying this chocolate has not yet been seen on the market.
Contraindications
They hardly exist Contraindications or side effects of the Agar Agarwith the exception of Algae allergies. They may appear in rare cases anyway gastrointestinal disorders. Being then algae is to be taken into consideration the presence of iodine inside them.
Possible interactions with drugs
Since it is a source of water -soluble fiber that stimulates intestinal transit, the agar agar It can reduce the absorption of some food and food supplements hired simultaneously. Among these, statins, anticancer, antioxidant and laxative drugs. Talk to your doctor.
Alternative uses of the Agar Agar
The agar agar can also be used outside the kitchen. By exploiting the ice creaming power of this seaweed we can for example create fragrances for do-it-yourself environments simply using glass jars, water, agar agar and essential oils.
Have you ever used Agar Agar, How do you find yourself?
