Carrageenans
What is P.E.S.?
European legislation clearly distinguishes carrageenan (E 407) from P.E.S. (E 407a), with acid insoluble matters as the main criteria for differentiation.
Semi-refined carrageenan, or P.E.S., differs from refined carrageenan in three main aspects.
Firstly, the only raw material for P.E.S is Eucheuma seaweed. Secondly, it is obtained by simple alkaline treatment (no extraction and no filtration). Finally, P.E.S is cheaper to produce than refined gelling carrageenan.
The resulting product can be characterized as follows:
- More turbid gel caused by cellulose
- Brittle texture due to the high kappa fraction content
- The complete solubilization needs a longer cooking time or a higher temperature.
Cargill Texturizing Solutions is completing its range of refined carrageenans with P.E.S., the quality of which is ensured by the application of stringent blending and quality assurance standards.