Category:Emulsification

Emulsification is the binding together of two normally incompatible liquids such as oil and water by means of an emulsifying agent (or emulsifier) and these bound liquids are known as emulsions. Some emulsions, such as egg yolks are naturally emulsified due to the presence of an emulsifier, in this case lecithin. Many however, including margarine, ice cream, mayonnaise, and salad dressings require an emulsifying agent to be added for example, soy lecithin, egg yolks, gums, proteins and fatty acids such as mono- and diglycerides

Emulsifiers work by coating the liquid’s molecules which causes them to mix better with other ingredients and this normally done by beating, whisking or whipping with the aid of a gadget of some description. When following a recipe, it may be important to mix ingredients in the order given for any emulsification to work. Also ingredient temperature may also dictate the success or failure of an emulsion eg mayonnaise ingredients should be at room temperature to help prevent curdling. In modernist cuisine popular emulsions are Airs (soy lecithin) and Foams (soy lecithin or mono- and diglycerides).