Yes, gellan gum can be used to make hard non-dairy cheese. Gellan gum is a type of hydrocolloid that is commonly used in the food industry as a gelling agent, and it can be used to create a firm texture in non-dairy cheeses.
To make non-dairy cheese with gellan gum, a typical recipe involves blending a combination of plant-based milks (such as soy, almond, or cashew milk) with gellan gum, nutritional yeast, and various seasonings to create a smooth, cheesy base. This mixture is then heated and cooled to allow the gellan gum to set, forming a solid block or wedge of cheese.
The specific amounts and proportions of ingredients will vary depending on the recipe and desired outcome, but gellan gum is often used in conjunction with other gelling agents such as agar or carrageenan to achieve a firmer texture in non-dairy cheeses. It's important to note that the process of making non-dairy cheese with gellan gum can be complex and may require specialized equipment, such as a high-powered blender and a cheese press.
Overall, while gellan gum can be a useful ingredient in non-dairy cheese making, it's important to follow a reliable recipe and carefully follow instructions to ensure a successful outcome.
The type of gellan gum used in non-dairy cheese making can vary depending on the desired texture and properties of the final product. However, in general, both high acyl and low acyl gellan gums can be used to make non-dairy cheese.
High acyl gellan gum is a type of gellan gum that forms soft gels, while low acyl gellan gum forms firmer, brittle gels. Non-dairy cheese recipes may call for either type of gellan gum, or a combination of both, to achieve the desired texture.
The use level of gellan gum in non-dairy cheese making also varies depending on the recipe and the desired texture of the final product. Generally, a typical use level is around 0.1-0.5% of the total weight of the ingredients. However, the exact use level may vary depending on factors such as the type of gellan gum used, the other ingredients in the recipe, and the desired texture of the final product.
It's important to note that while gellan gum can be a useful ingredient in non-dairy cheese making, the specific use level and type of gellan gum may depend on the specific recipe and process being used. It's always important to follow a reliable recipe and carefully follow instructions to ensure a successful outcome.
