As the wise, older vegetarian sister, it was my duty to set him straight. Perhaps I should have waited for him to finish his Jello Poke Cake, but I was on a roll.
The product known as gelatin is produced by boiling animal bones and connetive tissue containing collagen in water or dilute acid. Gelatin is considered to be highly nutritious, even though it lacks several amino acids. Gelatin is also used for several non-food purposes. You can find gelatin as a culture medium or in photographic plate preparation.
Gelatin is present in many products like jams, jellies, and marshmallows. However, in pure form it is colorless, ordorless, and tasteless, and hence undetectable. Therefore, if you are monitoring your intake of animal products, it is important to note that gelatin can be found in unusual places. It is often used as a coating on pills and capsules. Many desserts, like ice cream, use gelatin to acheive a better consistency.
If you are eliminating animal products from your diet, read the labels on ice creams and fruit preserves to be sure that gelatin is not an ingredient. There is also a soy-based substitute for gelatin which can be found in health food stores. It can be used in those recipes which absolutely require a gelling substance.
If you have any questions or comments, please post them on the bulletin board below or mail ne at liloia@earthlink.net.
Go To Page: 1
