If this is news to you, it may shed new light on your Grandmothers famous Jell-O mold. And if you love eating chewy candy, you may think twice before chowing down on those gummy bears - yup - they're made with gelatin too. Kosher gelatin that pretty funny because gummy bears were originated in Germany...
Gelatin is a translucent, colorless, odorless, and nearly tasteless substance that is made by prolonged boiling of skin, cartilage and bones from animals. It's made primarily from the stuff meat industries have left over - we're talking about pork skins and cattle bones. Yummy.
How is gelatin extracted from the hides of pork and cattle?
Manufacturers first run the hides and bones through a chemical bath containing acids, then through hot and cold washings to remove fats, minerals and other impurities. The collagen is then converted to pure gelatin by drying and grinding the skins and bones.
What protein does gelatin contain?
Gelatin contains the protein collagen--the chief constituent of connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, bones, and skin. Collagen consists of groups of white inelastic fibers with great tensile strength.
What purpose does gelatin serve in ice cream and in other foods?
Gelatin gives ice creams a creamy feel and helps keep ice crystals from forming by acting as an emulsifier. It makes gummy bears gummy and marshmallows marshy. While replacing the fat in low-calorie butter, gelatin also keeps the meat from banging around inside cans of ham. In cake fillings, icing mixers, and gum, gelatin performs as a stabilizer.
Here's some other things that are made from gelatin just in case your curious.
Gummy bears
Jello
Skittle (with the exception of the chocolate type)
Starburst
Most yogurts (Silk Soy Yogurt is vegan and has no gelatin)
marshmallows
Some ice cream (not most)
Capsules found on over-the-counter pills
Shells of paint balls
Jr!. Mints
Trifles
Frosted cereal
Frosted Pop-Tarts (They aren't worth it anyway-- 2= 40 calories)
And just about every other gooey food!.
