| MadSci Network: Physics |
Well, Blase, I can't say whether or not the cohesiveness of the Jello would be strong enough to hold together a cube that large but I would work on the assumption that it won't hold - at least not without some help. It is the gelatin in Jello which provides its characteristic gelled firmness upon setting. Gelatin is a water-soluble protein that comes in different grades/strengths for different uses in the food industry. I would suggest two things to do to increase the strength of your gel - firstly, add some extra gelatin to the Jello powder before adding the water. Unflavored gelatin (Knox is a common brand)is readily available in any grocery store. Try one envelope of additional gelatin for every two boxes of Jello you will be using. Secondly, reduce the amount of water that you add. You want the texture of your Jello to be more like Jello Jigglers than normally-prepared Jello. When mixing and pouring the Jello into your mold, be careful not to let any of the undissolved bits at the bottom of the bowl go in. These particles would tend to disrupt the cohesion and would create weak points. You'll need a cooler large enough to chill and set your cube too. It will take much longer than the hour or two that one box of prepared Jello takes to set. A couple of other points - one cubic meter of Jello is going to be very heavy. You will have to have a mold that comes apart; you won't be turning this one upsidedown to unmold it. And because of its weight, it won't be readily portable. Once it is out of the mold, it must still be kept cool or it will start to droop quite quickly. Good luck on your creation. Pass out the spoons after your presentation! Carol Crouse Food Technologist The Food Chain Ltd.
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