agar
1 of 1nouna gelatinous substance derived from seaweed and used as a gelling agent in various food
Agar, a versatile substance derived from seaweed, is known for its unique characteristics. It lacks flavor, making it a neutral ingredient that doesn't alter the taste of the dish. Agar has a firm and gelatinous texture when set, which makes it ideal for various culinary applications. To prepare agar, it is typically dissolved in hot liquid, such as water or broth, and then allowed to cool and solidify, forming a jelly-like substance. Its ability to set at room temperature is a notable advantage over gelatin. Due to its plant-based origin and compatibility with vegetarian and vegan diets, agar has become a popular alternative to animal-based gelling agents.
- The agar cubes added a delightful chewiness to the tropical fruit salad.
- The agar jelly shots were a hit at the party, with their vibrant colors and jiggly texture.
a jelly-like substance extracted from algae, commonly used in biological culture media and as a thickening agent in foods
- The lab technician poured the agar into Petri dishes to prepare the culture media for the upcoming experiments.
- Agar is essential for growing bacteria in the lab because it provides a stable and nutrient-rich environment.
- Many microbiological tests rely on agar plates to isolate and study various microorganisms.
- Agar is also used in the food industry to thicken soups and create gel-like desserts.
- The scientist mixed agar with nutrients to create a suitable growth medium for the yeast cells.