How Is Gelatin Made? | How Pig Skins Become Your Favorite Gummy Candies

Summary

This video explores the fascinating process of how pig skin is transformed into gelatin, which is used in products like gummy bears, marshmallows, and even medicine. Starting at the slaughterhouse, the pig skins are carefully cleaned, treated with acid, and cooked in hot water to extract the collagen. The resulting gelatin is filtered, concentrated, and dried before being powdered for use in various industries. The video explains this transformation in detail, discussing its safety and the rise of plant-based alternatives like agar-agar for those with dietary restrictions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen found in animal connective tissues, primarily pig skin.
• 😀 The gelatin production process begins at slaughterhouses where pig skin and other byproducts are collected.
• 😀 Pig skins are chosen for gelatin production due to their high collagen content and low fat.
• 😀 Pig skins undergo a thorough cleaning process, removing dirt, fat, and blood before further processing.
• 😀 The skins are soaked in acid or alkaline solutions to break down collagen, usually using hydrochloric acid for pig skin.
• 😀 The softened skins are then cooked in hot water at controlled temperatures to extract gelatin without damaging proteins.
• 😀 The extraction process is done in multiple stages, with the first stage yielding the highest quality gelatin.
• 😀 After extraction, the gelatin solution is filtered and concentrated, removing impurities and reducing water content.
• 😀 The gelatin is then cooled, solidified, dried, and ground into the familiar pale yellow powder.
• 😀 Despite being made from animal byproducts, food-grade gelatin is safe for consumption and widely recognized as a safe ingredient, though it's not vegetarian or halal unless certified.

Q & A

What is gelatin, and where does it come from?

Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen, which is found in the connective tissues, bones, and skin of animals. Commercial food-grade gelatin typically comes from pigs and cows, with pig skin being a primary raw material.

How is collagen transformed into gelatin?

Collagen is broken down through a controlled process involving heat and sometimes acids or alkalies, yielding gelatin. This process involves soaking animal skin in an acid solution to break down collagen, followed by cooking in hot water to extract the gelatin.

Why are pig skins specifically used in the production of gelatin?

Pig skins are valued in the gelatin industry due to their high collagen content and relatively low fat, making them ideal for the transformation into gelatin.

What is the role of acid treatment in gelatin production?

Acid treatment, typically using hydrochloric acid, is used to soften pig skin and loosen the collagen structure. This makes it easier to extract gelatin. The acid is later washed out, so it does not remain in the final product.

What happens during the extraction process of gelatin?

The softened pig skins are cooked in hot water at temperatures between 50-70°C (122-158°F). This process dissolves the collagen into gelatin, which is then extracted in multiple stages. The first extraction yields the highest quality gelatin, and subsequent rounds provide lower-quality gelatin.

How is the gelatin purified and concentrated?

After extraction, the gelatin solution is filtered to remove impurities, and then it undergoes evaporation to reduce water content. This concentrates the gelatin and makes it easier to solidify.

What happens after the gelatin is concentrated?

Once concentrated, the gelatin is cooled and begins to solidify into a gel. It is then cut into slabs or extruded into sheets, dried, and ground into a pale yellow or off-white powder, which is the final shelf-stable form of gelatin.

Is gelatin safe to eat?

Yes, gelatin is safe to eat because it is processed in regulated environments following strict hygiene standards. It is recognized as a generally safe ingredient by food safety authorities around the world.

Why isn’t gelatin considered vegetarian or vegan?

Gelatin is made from animal byproducts, specifically pig or cow skin and connective tissues. Therefore, it is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, and it may not meet halal or kosher dietary requirements unless specifically certified.

What are the alternatives to gelatin for people with dietary restrictions?

For those with dietary restrictions, plant-based alternatives like agar-agar (derived from seaweed) or pectin (from fruit) are available. These alternatives can replicate the jelling effect of gelatin, though the texture may differ.