Description
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.
Technical
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.
Science
Primary Reaction
Na‑alginate + CaCl₂ → Ca‑alginate gel + NaCl
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
frostycrispneutralmetallicozone-like
Origin & History
Civilization
Spanish
Era
early 2000s