Carrageenan Extraction

Carrageenan extraction involves isolating a natural thickening agent from red seaweed, primarily species like Irish moss. The process starts by harvesting and washing the seaweed to remove impurities. The seaweed is then soaked in water and heated to dissolve the carrageenan, which is a water-soluble polysaccharide. The mixture is filtered to separate solids from liquids. The liquid extract is then often cooled and processed further, such as by precipitating with alcohol, to purify the carrageenan. The resulting product is dried and ground into a powder, which can be used in foods like dairy products, plant milks, and processed meats as a gelling and thickening agent.