Carrageenan is extracted from red seaweeds and constitutes the principal structure of the seaweed. The name is derived from a type of seaweed that is abundant along the Irish coastline near the village of Carragheen. It is located within the cell wall and intracellular matrix of the plant tissue. The carrageenan content of commercially harvested seaweeds is generally between 30% and 80% based on the seaweed dry weight.
Carrageenan are widely used in the food and other industries as thickening and stabilizing agents. Carrageenan finds wide applicability as a food ingredient and is functional in foods such as dairy products, water dessert gels, meat products, confections, beverages, dressings and other such products. Carrageenan is also used in non-food products such as cosmetics, toothpaste, and other personal care products.
Carrageenans have the unique ability to form an almost infinite variety of gels at room temperature, with a variety of gelling and melting points. These gels require no refrigeration, and can be made stable through repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Carrageenan solutions can thicken, suspend, and stabilize particulates, colloidal dispersions and water/oil emulsions. The solutions shear thin, which allows them to be pumped easily. Also, the solutions rapidly rebuild viscosity and suspending power on standing.
Depending upon the food application, carrageenan present in a few percent by weight or less provides gelling, thickening, and binding, and also helps in imparting appropriate texture to the food product. Owing to these qualities, carrageenan is particularly desirable as a fat replacement in low fat foods.
South Fujian Agar Co.,ltd. is a professional manufacturer of agar agar and carrageenan. We had been in this line over 10 years, our products meet with FCC & UPS requirement. As a lead of agar and carrageenan, South Fujian Agar Co.,ltd. attach great importance to the products quality and sanitary control. We supply about 300mts agar agar & 300mts carrageenan to our value customer all around the world annual. South Fujian Agar Co.,ltd. welcome other potential customer contact with us for building bushiness good relationship.
