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What is Agar Powder? How do they function, and what colors do they exhibit? Applied in which type of dishes? Today, let's delve into this powder with Mytour. Surely, the information below will provide you with a insightful perspective and enhance the tastiness of your dishes.
1. What is Agar Powder?
In 1658, in Japan, an innkeeper discovered Agar Powder, later researched and became a crucial ingredient in cuisine. Agar Powder, also known as plant-based gelatin or natural white gelatin, appears as a white powder. Currently, Agar Powder is also referred to as seaweed powder or sweetening agent. This type of powder is made from natural ingredients with origins extracted from red algae (Japan).
Preparing this powder is a breeze—simply boil red algae, strain until water is drained, dry, and grind to create Agar Powder. In culinary arts, this powder's excellent binding properties and quick solidification make it perfect for crafting delightful jellies.
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2. Uses of Agar Powder
Because Agar Powder is processed from red seaweed, it has various uses, including:
- Agar powder, when processed, expands and swells upon consumption, creating a sensation of fullness, aiding in excellent weight management.
- Upon ingestion, Agar becomes less digestible, facilitating easy elimination from your body, carrying away cholesterol. Utilizing Agar helps reduce cholesterol levels in the human body.
- Its benefits extend beyond, stimulating the digestive system and increasing the volume of the colon.
- According to several studies, it enhances immune function, combats inflammation, and may prevent certain types of cancer.
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3. How many types of Agar Powder are there?
Currently, there are two types available in the market: powdered and fiber forms. Depending on your usage preferences, you can explore both options:
- Agar in powder form: Often encountered in convenient pre-made packets, this white, fine powder is easy to use. Simply boil it with water and let it cool; after some time, it will set.
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- Agar in fiber form: This form is less commonly found for sale due to its time-consuming preparation. Before use, it needs pre-processing by soaking it in cold water to soften before it can be effectively processed.
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4. Dishes Using Agar Powder
To easily visualize dishes made with Agar Powder, explore some recipes incorporating this powder:
Watermelon Jelly Chips
A simple recipe featuring Agar Powder is Watermelon Jelly Chips. Agar Powder's binding properties enhance the deliciousness of these chips. The preparation for this dish is also straightforward; refer to the instructions for guidance.
Just take the flesh of the watermelon, remove the seeds, blend it smoothly, and extract the juice. Then, mix Agar Powder and sugar into the watermelon juice, stirring thoroughly. Put this mixture on the stove, heat it over medium heat, remembering to stir consistently. When the mixture thickens, turn off the heat and pour it into a mold. Wait for it to cool, then place it in the refrigerator. There you have it, a super simple Watermelon Jelly Chips perfect for the little ones. Being homemade ensures they aren't overly sweet and provides a delightful chewy texture.
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5. What can substitute for Agar Powder?
Although Agar Powder (seaweed powder) is readily available, if you wish to substitute it, gelatin is a suitable alternative. Both serve the purpose of solidification and are 100% natural products. To use gelatin, soak it in water until softened, then squeeze out excess water. Proceed to incorporate it into various dishes.
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6. Where to Buy Agar Powder?
Agar Powder, also known as seaweed powder, is readily available in grocery stores, markets, or supermarkets. If it's not accessible in your area, you can order it from online marketplaces such as Shopee or Lazada. There are various types, including boxed and packaged forms with different flavors for you to choose from.
Currently, the market offers a wide range of Agar Powders with prices ranging from 12,000 to 120,000 Vietnamese Dong, depending on the grams per pack/box. Some are more affordable as they are produced in basic countries, while others are priced higher due to being manufactured in closed-loop systems, ensuring higher quality.
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7. Tips for Using Agar Powder
Agar Powder may seem like an ordinary powder, but it can be used to prepare various dishes. However, there are some important considerations, such as:
- Avoid using too much Agar Powder as it may cause a feeling of fullness.
- If you are allergic to eggs, you can use Agar Powder as a substitute.
- Avoid storing Agar Powder in the freezer, as taking it out for use without proper preparation may affect its taste.
- If using Agar Powder as a substitute for Gelatin, ensure accurate measurement, as it solidifies approximately 8 times more than Gelatin.
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Hope the information shared by Mytour Blog helps you answer the question What is Agar Powder. Quickly save the details to explore and prepare dishes using this powder. Wishing you success!
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