Can Jell-O be Made With Just Warm Water Instead of Boiling Hot and Then Cold? | Science project | Education.com (2024)

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Can Jell-O be Made With Just Warm Water Instead of Boiling Hot and Then Cold?

Science project

Can Jell-O be Made With Just Warm Water Instead of Boiling Hot and Then Cold? | Science project | Education.com (1)

Grade Level: 3rd - 6th; Type: Food Science/ Chemistry

Objective:

In this experiment, we will find out if making Jell-O is possible with just warm water instead of adding boiling hot water.

Grade

Third GradeFourth GradeFifth Grade

Research Questions:

  • What is gelatin, how is it made, and what is it used for?
  • What are the properties of a gel? What does it do?
  • Is a gel considered to be a solid, a liquid, both, or neither?

Gelatin is a protein substance that is created by boiling connective tissues, bones, skins of animals or stem roots from plants with a similar structure. It is used in many applications such as to create the much-loved Jello, taffy, marshmallows, wines, capsules for medicine, and much more.

Gelatin has beneficial properties such as transparency, strength, flexibility, easy to digest, soluble in hot water, and great binding properties. The directions say to add boiling add--but is that really necessary? Let's find out if merely warm water will do the job.

Materials:

  • 2 boxes of Jell-O or gelatin mix (any flavor)
  • 2 mixing bowls
  • A stirring spatula or whisk
  • Boiling hot water
  • Cold water
  • Warm water
  • Measuring cup
  • Saran/plastic wrap
  • A refrigerator
  • Timer/Clock
  • An adult to help you

Experimental Procedure:

  1. In one mixing bowl, pour the packet of gelatin mix in.
  2. Carefully add 1 cup of boiling hot water inside. Stir until the powder is dissolved.
  3. Now slowly stir in 1 cup of cold water.
  4. Cover the bowl with saran wrap.
  5. In the other mixing bowl, pour the packet of gelatin mix in.
  6. Carefully pour 2 cups of warm water inside and stir until the powder is dissolved. You may have to stir longer.
  7. Cover the bowl with saran wrap.
  8. Refrigerate both bowls until the gelatin is set in at least one of the bowls- about 4 hours.
  9. After 4 hours...check on the gelatin and see which one has set and which one is firmer and has the “correct consistency.”

Terms/Concepts: Viscosity; Gelatin/ Gel; Protein; Collagen; Hydrolysis; Freezing/Melting Point; States of Matter

References:

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Can Jell-O be Made With Just Warm Water Instead of Boiling Hot and Then Cold?  | Science project | Education.com (2024)

FAQs

Can you make jello with just hot water? ›

Carefully pour 2 cups of warm water inside and stir until the powder is dissolved. You may have to stir longer. Cover the bowl with saran wrap. Refrigerate both bowls until the gelatin is set in at least one of the bowls- about 4 hours.

Does gelatin work in warm water? ›

Gelatin dissolves easily in warm water and you should have no problems washing it down from your trays, tools, floors and kitchen counters. Clear gelatin is hard to see, especially when wet. A surface may look clean, but it will become sticky again when it dries. Make sure you look everywhere and use lots of water.

What happens if you make jelly with cold water? ›

Gelatin is relatively insoluble in cold water but hydrates readily in warm water.

Can you make jello shots without boiling water? ›

Don't skimp on this step—the water needs to be actually boiling to effectively dissolve the powder, and the mixture won't set if you use less than 4 oz. Stir the mixture until the powder is completely dissolved.

Does gelatin need to boil to set? ›

Do not add gelatin to boiling liquid. Above 212°, gelatin's strength will quickly start to disintegrate, and it will not set as firmly. The initial dissolving step must be done in cold water. Avoid tampering with the amount of sugar a gelatin-based recipe calls for.

Can you make gelatin with cold water? ›

Softening gelatine in cold water or another cold liquid helps the granules swell, which is the first step in dissolving.

How do you make gelatin without boiling water? ›

Sprinkle the gelatin over ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of cold water and stir. Pour the cold water into measuring cup, then sprinkle the gelatin over it. Stir it briskly until the gelatin thickens. If you are vegan/vegetarian and would like a more firm jello, use 2 teaspoons of Agar powder.

Can you use gelatin without heating? ›

Gelatin for cold use: desserts and more applications

This type of gelatin is mainly used in the preparation of desserts without heating, only by mixing the ingredients in milk or another liquid and leaving it to stand for a while in the refrigerator.

What temperature destroys gelatin? ›

Issue #2: High Heat

Gelatin's strength rapidly declines above 212°F, or when it's held at that temperature for an extended period of time. Curiously, damage caused by heat impacts rigidity, not viscosity, which explains how gelatin can still add body to slow-simmered dishes like Bolognese.

Why is my gelatine not setting? ›

Gelatin may not bloom properly if it is not scattered or sprinkled on top of the liquid or if the liquid is not cold enough. If the gelatin is not blooming correctly, it will likely have clumps.

Why did jello salad fail? ›

For one thing, dieting fashions changed. Salad courses had, for decades, been edging toward the border of dessert, but in the 1970s and '80s, nutrition campaigns began to emphasize the importance of eliminating sugar. Savory Jell-O salads fell out of fashion, replaced by tossed salads and a fad for sun-dried tomatoes.

What is the best alcohol to put in Jello shots? ›

Sometimes called "jelly" shots, these popular shooters can be made in any gelatin flavor and spiked with your favorite liquor. Vodka and rum are the most popular options, but you can use just about anything.

Does alcohol replace water in Jello shots? ›

They're exactly what they sound like: an individually portioned size bite of jello, traditionally consumed as a shot. And they're great with or without booze. Use water or juice if you're making booze-free, or replace the liquid with alcohol if you want an adults-only version.

Will jello set without cold water? ›

When making gelatin you must boil the powder in water and then add the correct amount of cold water before sending it to the fridge to set. If you skipped or altered either of these steps then that is why your Jello will not set.

What is warm jello water good for? ›

For stomach bugs, MedHealth explains, "Jell-O, or gelatin, is another virus-friendly food. Gelatin is easy on the stomach, and it helps keep your blood sugar regulated, giving you the energy you need to fight off your sickness." Meanwhile, drinking it warm also helps with sore throats and mucus issues.

What can I use instead of water for jello? ›

Prepare jello substituting lemon lime soda for the 1 cup cold water called for in the package directions. Chill until firm.

Why is jello dissolved in hot water? ›

When you dissolve the gelatin powder in hot water, you break the weak bonds that hold the collagen protein chains together. Each chain is a triple-helix that will float around in the bowl until the gelatin cools and new bonds form between the amino acids in the protein.

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