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Although Joanne is not able to respond to additional questions at this time, your concerns may have already been addressed in a previous column. Please check the Ask Joanne! Archive, which contains all the Q&As that have appeared here.

Making Vegan Gelatin

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I would like to make vegan jello. I know that I need to use agar, but what about the flavoring?


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"Agar" (also called "agar-agar") is a sea vegetable derivative that is processed into translucent flakes, bars, or powder. The beauty of agar is that it has virtually no taste of its own and it jells, making it an excellent vegan replacement for gelatin. Vegan jelled desserts made from agar are also known as "kanten."

The jelling capabilities of agar flakes, bars, and powder differ, so always use the specific product called for in a recipe. Agar must be thoroughly dissolved in a boiling liquid before it will jell. The easiest way to make flavored vegan jelled desserts is to use fruit juice for the liquid. Apple juice works especially well, or you can combine it half and half with another juice, such as cranberry. If you want to add fresh fruit (such as berries, melon, or banana), stir it in after the kanten has set, just before serving. (Pineapple may inhibit jelling due to a natural enzyme it contains.)

The standard ratio for vegan jelled dessert is 1 cup fruit juice to 1 tablespoon agar flakes or 1 teaspoon agar powder. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until the agar has dissolved. Pour the mixture into a bowl and chill for 4 to 5 hours or until set.




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