Agar-Agar

Agar-agar is a natural gelling agent derived from red algae, most commonly from the genera Gelidium and Gracilaria. Unlike animal-based gelatine, it is entirely plant-derived, making it a popular choice in vegetarian and vegan cooking. It is available in powder, flake, and bar forms. When heated, it dissolves in boiling water and sets into a firm gel upon cooling, unlike gelatine, it remains stable even at room temperature. It is used to prepare desserts, panna cotta, fruit jellies, aspic, and as a stabiliser in confectionery. The resulting gel is clear and virtually flavourless and odourless.