What You Need to Know
Thermal shock spherification exploits the temperature-dependent gelation properties of sodium alginate in calcium-rich solutions. Sudden cooling or heating affects polymer chain entanglement and calcium ion diffusion rates.
Enables creation of spheres with varied textures - from thin, delicate membranes to thicker, more resilient structures.
Key Parameters
Temperature
60°C
0°C - 85°C
Time
30-90 seconds
10 seconds - 5 minutes
Equipment
ThermocirculatorCold bathPrecision scalesSyringes/pipettes
Steps
- 1.
Hot/Cold Ravioli (El Bulli): Creates temperature contrast between hot filling and cold gel membrane
The Science
Primary Reaction
Gelation of Sodium Alginate