Isinglass
Isinglass[edit | edit source]
Isinglass is a substance obtained from the dried swim bladders of fish. It is a form of collagen used mainly for the clarification or fining of beer and wine. The name "isinglass" is derived from the obsolete Dutch word "huizenblas," which means "sturgeon bladder."
Production[edit | edit source]
Isinglass is traditionally made from the swim bladders of sturgeon, although other fish such as cod and hake can also be used. The swim bladders are cleaned, dried, and processed into a gelatinous substance. This process involves soaking the bladders in a weak acid solution, followed by washing and drying. The resulting product is a pure form of collagen, which is then used in various applications.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Clarification of Beverages[edit | edit source]
Isinglass is primarily used in the brewing and winemaking industries to clarify beverages. It works by binding to the particles that cause cloudiness, which then precipitate out of the liquid, leaving it clear. This process is known as "fining." In beer production, isinglass is added to the cask or fermentation vessel, where it helps to settle yeast and other solids.
Other Uses[edit | edit source]
In addition to its use in beverages, isinglass has been used historically in the production of jellies and desserts. It was also used in the past as a form of glue and in the production of certain types of varnish.
Properties[edit | edit source]
Isinglass is a form of collagen, a protein that is also found in connective tissues of animals. It is known for its ability to form a gel-like substance when dissolved in water. This property makes it useful in various industrial applications, particularly in the food and beverage industry.
Historical Context[edit | edit source]
The use of isinglass dates back several centuries. It was particularly popular in the 19th century for its use in clarifying beer and wine. The development of synthetic alternatives has reduced its use in modern times, but it remains a traditional method in some breweries and wineries.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD