Algizoon (sodium alginate), texturizer from Biozoon, E 401

Algizoon® is made from sodium alginate (E 401), a natural extract of brown algae. It forms a gel in seconds in the presence of calcium ions (Calazoon®). The calcium penetrates from the outside into the alginate layer and solidifies it from the outside inwards until the calcium supply is stopped (by removal from the calcium bath), or the gelled layer is too thick and the calcium can no longer get into the core. With this principle, you can make gel balls of various sizes with liquid core, which can burst in the mouth of the eater and suddenly release certain sensory impressions. Hot alginate solutions do not react with calcium until they cool down. Once formed, the solid calcium alginate structure is always heat stable. The disadvantage of alginates is their sensitivity to acids (be careful with plenty of lemon juice, vinegar and / or wine reductions).