Carrageenan Seaweed Marbling

Carrageenan shows up frequently in the ingredients section of food labels but don t expect to.

Carrageenan seaweed marbling.

Carrageenan also known as irish moss is a widely used food ingredient derived from red seaweed. Even though there are many kinds of gels and thickeners available nothing has been found that works better for marbling than carrageenan. Carrageenan is a mucilaginous substance that is obtained from a several species of red algae namely chondrus crispus it is an edible substance that is used as a thickener and a gelatine substitute it has a sea like smell and it requires washing to remove the excess salt and iodine it is similar to agar a gelatinous substance obtained from seaweed and algae but agar sets even in cold. Carrageenan is a seaweed extract and is the traditional marbling size.

They feel it offers better control and results in more precise patterning. To immobilize cells and enzymes. An extract from the seaweed irish moss. Carrageenan is made from parts of various red algae or seaweeds and is used for medicine.

The ancient art of paper and fabric marbling uses a carrageenan mixture on which to float paints or inks. Carrageenan is an additive used to thicken emulsify and preserve foods and drinks. Marbling begins first with the dissolving seaweed powder in water seaweed is a white material derived from an ocean plant. A tray with the approximate dimensions of the paper to be marbled is filled with this liquid to depth of about six centimeters.

Carrageenan is used for coughs bronchitis tuberculosis and intestinal problems. The paper or fabric is then laid on it absorbing the colours. Pour mixture into a bucket add enough water to make a total of 1 gal 3 79 l and stir. Recommended proportions for marbling.

A type of gum seaweed gives the water a degree of viscosity. Some people who practice marbling prefer carrageenan over methocel especially those who work with watercolor paints on paper. In a blender slowly add the carrageenan to 3 cups 0 71 l warm water and blend until fully dispersed. The solution on which the colors are floated is referred to as the size the size can be made of several different types of gel or gum but the finest and most detailed marbling must be done on carrageenan size carrageenan is an extract from a seaweed called irish moss.

For larger quantities repeat using same proportions. The french use a form. It s a natural ingredient that comes from red seaweed also called irish moss.