Agar Agar in Australia
Agar agar is a plant based gelling agent made from red seaweed. Australian shops sell it in several forms.
Updated . Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.
Where to buy
- Search Amazon AustraliaLive search · amazon.com.au
- Search AmazonLive search · amazon.com
- Search eBay AustraliaLive search · ebay.com.au
- Google ShoppingLive search · google.com
Asian grocers often stock agar strips and powder cheaply. Health food stores and bulk food shops sell it too.
Professional insight
Pastry chefs buy agar by form. Powder, flakes and strips set at different strengths per gram.
- Powder dissolves fastest and measures most accurately.
- Flakes need more weight for the same set.
- Agar must boil to activate, unlike gelatine.
- Acidic fruit can weaken the set, so test first.
Check the label
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Agar agar facts
- Source
- Red algae, mainly Gracilaria and Gelidium
- Sets below
- About 32 to 42 C
- Melts above
- About 85 C
Types
| Form | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Powder | Jellies, panna cotta, vegan cheese | Strongest per gram |
| Flakes | Home desserts | Soak before boiling |
| Strips or bars | Asian jelly desserts | Soak and tear into pieces |
How to use it
- 1Whisk agar into cold liquid.
- 2Bring to a boil and simmer for a couple of minutes.
- 3Stir in sugar or flavour off the heat.
- 4Pour into moulds and let it set at room temperature.
Storage
Keep agar sealed in a dry, cool pantry. Moisture makes powder clump and weakens the set.
Common questions
- Is agar agar vegan?
- Yes. It comes from seaweed and replaces animal gelatine.
- Can I swap agar for gelatine one to one?
- No. Agar is stronger. Follow the pack ratio and test a small batch.
- Will agar jelly melt on a hot day?
- Rarely. Set agar stays firm well above room temperature.