Carrageenan is a hydrocolloid, it has become the preferred gelatin alternative for vegan and natural ice cream. Carrageenan is plant-derived, but gelatin, is an animal-driven food additive.
Seaweed is a type of macro algae that looks like a thallus type plant yet grows naturally in the sea. However, it lacks true roots, flowers, leaves, and stems, as does a plant. However, like plants, it contains different type of photosynthetic pigment which helps to in the marine environment just like land plants. Seaweeds are broadly classified in to three categories based on their pigmentation viz. 1) chlorophyta (green seaweed), 2) Phaeophyta (Brown seaweed) & 3) Rhodophyta (Red seaweed).
Globally, Carrageenan is made from red seaweeds including Gigartina, Kappaphycus, Eucheuma, Chondrus, Hypnea and Iridaea. It is versatile and can function as a gel, stabilizer, suspender, and texturizer. Carrageenan is widely used in the culinary, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and other industries.
Carrageenan is a common additive in ice cream that is derived from red seaweed name Kappaphycus alvarezii and it is generally recognized as safe by the FDA. It is used as a stabilizer, emulsifier in ice cream to prevent the formation of ice and lactose crystals, especially during storage. It is an important ingredient in ice cream because they limit free water by connecting it to the gel structure. This produces a soft, slow-melting, solid ice cream. In addition, carrageenan is unique in its ability to bind with milk proteins. It improves the viscosity and texture of dairy-based ice creams by building a stable network of casein, a milk protein. This interaction prevents component separation, keeping the ice cream smooth and uniform throughout its shelf life.
Ice cream in India used to look a little different than it does today. It was sometimes like raw ice with juice, a simple and refreshing treat without the creamy texture of modern ice creams. Stabilisers such as carrageenan allowing for the creation of rich, creamy ice creams that maintain their flavour even at higher temperatures.
Aquagri Processing Private Limited (APPL) is the sole company in India that produce quality indigenous carrageenan and is a pioneer in the cultivation of red seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii). APPL offers a wide range of semi-refined kappa and iota carrageenan solutions based on the industry’s application.
In conclusion, Carrageenan is an excellent stabilizer, making the texture of the cream soft, and economical. It contributes significantly to the products and improve the over all quality. It’s natural origin and multifaceted benefits make it excellent choice for enhancing the ice cream experience.
