How do production factories measure the gel strength of Kappa Carrageenan?
In the factory, the most common standard is to measure the rupture strength at 20°C using a 1.5% concentration + 0.2% KCl.
Preparation of the "Standard Jelly"
Formula: Weigh 1.5g carrageenan + 0.2g KCl, then add water to a total weight of 100g (note: the salt is added first to activate gelation).
Dissolution: Heat in a water bath to 80-90°C, stirring until completely dissolved and free of particles. Replenish water to the original weight.
Molding: Pour the solution into a standard container (usually a 100ml beaker) and seal with a film to prevent moisture loss.
Constant Temperature Curing
Temperature: Place in a constant-temperature water bath or incubator at 20°C.
Time: Let it stand for 12-18 hours to allow the gel network to fully form and stabilize.
Puncture Test
Instrument: Use a gel strength tester (or texture analyzer) with a flat cylindrical probe of 12.7mm in diameter.
Parameters: Set the penetration speed to 0.5-1.0 mm/s, and the penetration depth is typically 4mm.
Reading: The maximum force (in units of g/cm²) at the moment the gel ruptures is the result.