1. Introduction:

Gellan Gum is a gelling agent developed specifically for applications where other gelling agents like agar agar and gelatin are not ideal. There are two types of Gellan Gum: gels made with Low-Acyl Gellan Gum tend to be brittle and firm, while gels made with High-Acyl Gellan Gum are flexible and elastic. The two types may be mixed together to form unique textures. Gellan is well-known for its use in fluid gels and can also be used for spherification.

2.Gellan Properties

It's important to note here that the sources we used for some of the numbers below were often contradictory on the exact properties of Gellan. This is most likely due to the variability in products that are labeled Gellan and have been specifically engineered for certain properties. Know that your particular use of Gellan may not follow these parameters exactly.

Temperature (High Acyl): Hydrates at 185°F/85°C, Gels from 158-176°F/70-80°C, Melts from 160-167°F/71-75°C

Temperature (Low Acyl): Hydrates between 167-203°F/75-95°C, Gels from 50-122°F/10-50°C, Melts from 176-284°F/80-140°C

The reason the temperatures vary is because the exact temperature will depend on concentration of Gellan used.

Texture: Low-acyl Gellan is generally considered brittle while high-acyl Gellan is more elastic. It is possible to combine the two to create the exact desired texture.

Appearance: High-acyl Gellan is opaque, low-acyl Gellan is clear.

Flavor release: Good, for both varieties.

Mouthfeel: Both have a clean mouthfeel; low-acyl Gellan has been described as "creamy" as well.

Freeze / Thaw stable: High-acyl Gellan is freeze/thaw stable. Low-acyl Gellan is not.

Syneresis (weeping): Generally not.

Shearing: Creates a shear-thinned gel, otherwise known as a fluid gel.

Hysteresis: No.