Gummies
Gummies
Gummies
with gelatine
Gelatine is a versatile hydrocolloid that provides a great number of
functional benefits to confectionery manufacturers and developers
As well as texture, color and appearance are also critical product quality properties.
Manufacturing issues can occur if, for example, the sucrose content is too high or not
dissolved in enough water, resulting in recrystallization of the sugar during storage.
This adversely affects the products characteristic clear and shiny look. Moreover,
ingredients such as fructose can influence the color and lead to a yellowing of the
product. Often a problem when producing clear and light colored candies, GELITA
experts can also help with color stability challenges too. An end product that fails to
meet a manufacturers expectations might also be related to the actual production
process. Deformations, a cloudy look or undesired textures may be the result of
incorrect production parameters.
Manufacturing marshmallows
The first whipped marshmallows appeared in France in the 19th century when marsh
mallow sap was combined with egg white and sugar. Seeking a more efficient
manufacturing process, candy makers in Europe first developed the starch mogul
system, in which a mixture of marsh mallow root, sugar, egg white and water was
heated and then poured into cornstarch molds. Then, in 1948, marshmallow
production was revolutionized when the so-called extrusion process was patented:
the marshmallow mass is passed through tubes and then cut into pieces, which are
then cooled and packaged, ready for consumption.
Although marshmallow production has come a long way since the 1900s, these two
processes are still used today. The most significant change is the formulation. Marsh
mallow plant (Althea officinalis) is no longer used as a gelling agent. Instead, of
course, its gelatine. Although other ingredients can be used as foaming agents, none
of them gives marshmallows its typical fluffy and elastic structure, which remains
intact for considerable periods of time. Quite simply, without gelatine, modern-day
marshmallows couldnt be produced.
Foaming it right
To produce high quality foamed confectionery, the right type of gelatine is critical. It
must be able to promote foam building and, at the same time, inhibit any processes
that could destabilize the foam. Incorrect ingredient selection could result in non-
homogenous bubbles, an unstable foam structure or products with
the wrong density, which subsequently leads to the
marshmallow losing its shape and
texture. Foam formation and
stabilization are
complex
procedures; but, owing to gelatines ability to lower the surface tension of aqueous
systems, its relatively simple to introduce air into a whipped gelatine solution. And,
because air has a lower density than water and doesnt dissolve, it tends to form
larger bubbles that rise up and separate from the water phase. Gelatines ability to
form elastic and flexible films around these bubbles and stabilize them makes it an
optimal foaming agent and stabilizer. Moreover, gelatine inhibits foam degradation. In
the case of marshmallow products, GELITA gelatine inhibits the recrystallization of
sucrose, which gives the product a soft and gummy like texture, as well as a longer
shelf-life.
The days when a marshmallow was simply a marshmallow are long gone. Depending
on the geography and market, preferences vary in terms of texture, size and form,
appearance, flavor release and mouthfeel. And, as well as individual marshmallows,
there are many other sweets that use marshmallow as a component, such as
marshmallow candies and even ice creams with marshmallow pieces. Each of these
products involves different formulation challenges; but, in every instance, gelatine is
the one ingredient that exerts the greatest influence on the quality of the end product.
GELITAs experts have a lot of experience with different production facilities and are
able to provide their customers with first class support. The advantages are clear: an
optimized input/output ratio helps to minimize waste and cut material costs.
Furthermore, a stable process prevents variations in end product quality. In addition,
optimizing production capacities can result in significant cost savings. If a machine
has to be stopped for adjustments and readjustments again and again during the
process, it cannot be fully loaded. Once adjusted properly, however, a production
process usually works smoothly. But, should the equipment get stuck or be offline, for
whatever reason, it will cost the manufacturer a great deal of time and money. This is
where GELITAs on-site support comes into play. Its experts are able to offer fast and
effective assistance, reducing downtimes and making the manufacturing process
cost-efficient and productive.
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