Agar dilution in acidic environments: your ultimate guide

Hispanagar shares with you a specialized guide on the proper use of agar in acidic environments, outlining key guidelines for optimal handling.

To activate the gelling power of agar, the first step is dissolving it. In order to achieve proper dissolution, it is recommended to add it to water or milk, preferably cold, in a steady stream while constantly stirring to ensure proper suspension and prevent clumping.

For improved suspension, agar powder can be premixed with other dry ingredients, such as sugar, before adding it to water or milk.

pH consideration during preparation is crucial, as solutions with a pH below 4 and prolonged heating times can impact the functional properties of agar.

To prevent agar hydrolysis during heating, various practical approaches are offered:

• If the medium itself is not acidic but one of the ingredients causes a drop in pH, it should be added during the cooling phase of the mixture, around 50ºC.
• In acidic environments with a pH below 4, it is best to dissolve agar separately in minimal water or milk and mix it with the acidic medium at a similar temperature, around 50ºC.

Once the agar gel is formed, pH no longer interferes with its stability, and it will be more stable in acidic conditions than carrageenans or gelatin.

It's important to note that this guide is indicative only, and it is recommended that each user conduct tests for their specific applications. If you need further information, feel free to reach out to our technical team.