The Process of Making Gelatin

Gelatin is a protein substance that comes from the skins and bones of animals. Most people know it as the substance used to make a jellylike salad or dessert. Not only is it useful in making this foods, but it is also beneficial to the consumer because of its high protein content. Gelatin is also commonly used in the photographic industry and in making medicinal capsules.

The process for producing gelatin is a long and complex one. In the processing of gelatin made from bones (which varies slightly from that of gelatin made from skin), the grease first must be eliminated. Then the bones are soaked in a solution of a hydrochloric acid in order to rid them of minerals and washed several times in water. Next, the bones are placed in distilled water, heated to over 90⁰F for a few hours, placed in a fresh distilled water, and then heated again at a little over 100⁰F. A fluid forms from this heating and it is concentrated, chilled and sliced. Finally, it is dried and ground. In its final form, gelatin is white, tasteless and odorless.