Description
Cryo‑spherification is a low‑temperature encapsulation technique that uses a calcium chloride bath to cross‑link sodium alginate, forming a thin, semi‑permeable gel membrane around a liquid core.
Technical
The process relies on ionic cross‑linking of guluronic acid blocks in alginate with Ca²⁺ ions, creating a calcium‑alginate gel that acts as a semi‑permeable shell. The reaction occurs rapidly (seconds) at sub‑freezing temperatures, preserving volatile aromatics and preventing oxidation. The resulting shell is thin enough to allow the core to retain its liquid state while being mechanically stable.
Science
Primary Reaction
Ionic cross‑linking of guluronic acid blocks in sodium alginate with Ca²⁺ ions to form calcium‑alginate gel
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
lightfreshsubtlecleanmineral-likecrisp
Origin & History
Civilization