Marine Science: Algae and Its Derivatives 18 January 2019
Today’s Vocabulary Algin Agar Carrageenan
Last Class… You learned that algae was edible and that some needed significant preparation before they could be ingested I also asked you to look and see what items algae is in, but some of you only scratched the surface I’m going to look a little harder at some of the foods and items you use and like I don’t think I’m going to ruin these things for you But if I do, I’m not sorry
Algae Harvesting Depending on the method of growth, harvesting algae can differ If harvested from a sea bed: Sea kelp is harvested by using a mower. The mower cuts the top off the kelp off and the rest is left to grow. This is similar to harvesting wheat, sugarcane and corn. If done on a trowl line: The line is reeled in and the workers put in large containers to be sorted later (usually on larger boats) This is similar to the fishing industry
Algae Derivatives After processing, you can get one of three primary derivatives from algae: Algin Agar Carrageenan
Algae Derivatives – Algin Algin is an extract with a powdery composition and capable of absorbing large amounts of water It is an additive in ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming (freezer burn) It can also be used to suspend antibiotics in solution, as the pigment in paint…even as an ingredient in toothpaste
Algae Derivatives – Agar Agar is a gel-like extract that results when you boil algae It is used as a medium for bacteria growth It is also used for processed/canned meats (Spam), gelatins and fish and the glue on postage stamps
Algae Derivatives – Carrageenan Carrageenan is an agent that helps to keep products suspended in solution Basically, it keeps things that are supposed to be a liquid in liquid form …Like pre-made chocolate milk and milk “alternatives”. You can check that during lunch It’s also found in cosmetics, toothpaste and ice cream
Announcements All grades will be fully-updated by this weekend I am giving you the rest of class to finish working on your Discussion assignment if you did not start (it is due today)