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Gelling: meaning, definitions and examples

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gelling

 

[ ˈdʒɛlɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

food preparation

Gelling refers to the process by which a liquid transforms into a gel-like state, typically as a result of the addition of gelling agents such as gelatin or pectin. This technique is commonly used in food preparation, especially in making jams, jellies, and desserts where a firm texture is desired. Gelling is essential in the canning process to preserve fruits and vegetables. The right balance of sugars, acids, and gelling agents is crucial for achieving the desired consistency.

Synonyms

coagulation, gelation, thickening

Examples of usage

  • The gelling process is critical for making fruit preserves.
  • We waited for the gelling to occur before adding more ingredients.
  • The jelly didn't set properly due to lack of gelling agent.
Context #2 | Verb

food chemistry

To gel or gelling describes the action of a substance undergoing the transformation from liquid to gel. This can occur in various contexts, including cooking, where ingredients are combined and allowed to set into a gel-like structure. The process often involves heating and cooling as well as the addition of specific ingredients, such as gelatin, that facilitate the formation of a gel. The successful gelling of mixtures is crucial for achieving desired textures in culinary creations.

Synonyms

set, solidify, thicken

Examples of usage

  • The chef is gelling the mixture to create a mousse.
  • Make sure the solution is cooled before gelling.
  • She is careful when gelling the dessert to avoid lumps.

Translations

Translations of the word "gelling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gelificação

🇮🇳 जेलिंग

🇩🇪 Gelieren

🇮🇩 penggellingan

🇺🇦 гельмування

🇵🇱 żelowanie

🇯🇵 ゼリー化

🇫🇷 gélification

🇪🇸 gelificación

🇹🇷 jelleşme

🇰🇷 겔화

🇸🇦 تجليد

🇨🇿 gelifikace

🇸🇰 gélifikácia

🇨🇳 凝胶化

🇸🇮 gelifikacija

🇮🇸 gelun

🇰🇿 гельдеу

🇬🇪 გელირება

🇦🇿 jel qatılması

🇲🇽 gelificación

Etymology

The word 'gelling' derives from 'gel', which is a term used to describe a semi-solid state of matter. The term 'gel' itself comes from the Latin 'gelare', which means 'to freeze' or 'to congeal'. The use of gelling agents like gelatin has a long history, dating back to the 17th century when gelatin was first made from boiling connective tissues of animals. Over time, the technology around gelling has evolved with the introduction of pectin derived from fruits and other plant-based gelling agents. The process of gelling is crucial in both culinary and scientific applications, giving rise to various products that range from desserts to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In modern cooking, gelling has become a sophisticated technique employed by professional chefs and home cooks alike to create delicate textures and flavors.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,838 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.