FAQs

In gummy production, why is the acid process (Type A) predominantly used for pig skin raw materials, while the alkali process (Type B) is preferred for bovine hide/bone materials?

This selection is primarily determined by the degree of collagen cross-linking and the specific application requirements of the end product.

1. Compatibility with Raw Material Characteristics:

• Pig Skin: The collagen fiber structure is relatively loose, and the amide bonds are more susceptible to hydrolysis. Using an acid process (e.g., hydrochloric acid treatment) allows for the breaking of intermolecular bonds within a short timeframe (several hours to one day) without excessively degrading the protein chains. This effectively preserves the superior gelling properties of the collagen.

• Bovine Hide/Bone: The collagen fibers are dense with a high degree of cross-linking and contain more non-collagenous impurities (such as fats and mucopolysaccharides). The alkali process (e.g., lime milk soaking for several weeks) not only hydrolyzes peptide bonds aggressively but also provides a saponification effect that removes fat and impurities. This causes the collagen to swell sufficiently, facilitating subsequent extraction.
  
  

2. Differences in Product Physicochemical Properties:

• Type A (Acid-processed) Gelatin: It has a high isoelectric point (pH 8.0–9.0). Under neutral or weakly alkaline conditions, the net charge is zero, causing the molecular chains to curl tightly. Consequently, this type of gelatin offers extremely high transparency and a light color, which strictly meets the aesthetic requirement for "crystal clarity" in gummy candies.

• Type B (Alkali-processed) Gelatin: It has a low isoelectric point (pH 4.7–5.2) and a broader molecular weight distribution. The resulting gel network features more nodes and stronger bonds, leading to a higher gel strength (Bloom value) and greater hardness. This makes it suitable for scenarios demanding high mechanical strength.