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Step-by-Step Tutorial
PRACTICAL WALKTHROUGH · PARAMETERS · COMMON MISTAKES
A technique that instantly freezes the surface of an alginate‑laden liquid with liquid nitrogen, forming a thin, translucent gel shell while preserving a liquid core.
Origin: Spanish (early 2000s) — Spain
See full technique reference →The process relies on the high latent heat of vaporization of liquid nitrogen to rapidly cool the outer layer of a sodium‑alginate solution. Calcium ions from a CaCl₂ bath cross‑link the alginate chains, forming a calcium‑alginate gel. The rapid temperature drop creates a solid shell while the core remains largely unfrozen, preserving volatile aromatics.
Primary Reaction
Na‑alginate + CaCl₂ → Ca‑alginate gel + NaCl
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