Recommended Ratio of Gellan Gum and Sodium Chloride for Jelly to Mist

To create a Jelly to Mist texture using Gellan Gum (Low Acyl), the ratio and the preparation process are both critical. If your mixture did not form a gel at a 0.1g to 0.1g ratio (assuming in 100ml of water, which is 0.1% each), it is likely due to either the salt concentration being too high for that amount of gum, or the heating process was insufficient.

Recommended Ratio for Jelly to Mist

For a sprayable jelly (Fluid Gel), the following ratio is recommended:

• Gellan Gum (Low Acyl): 0.1% - 0.15%
• Sodium Chloride (High Purity, 99.9%): 0.03% - 0.05% (Start with a very small amount)

Why 0.1% : 0.1% might not have worked:

1. Excessive Ions: Too much salt can sometimes prevent the formation of a proper polymer network or cause the gum to precipitate if not handled correctly.
2. Heating: Gellan Gum (Low Acyl) requires heat to hydrate. If the water was not heated to at least 85°C, the gum would not have dissolved completely, and thus no gel would form upon cooling.
3. Water Quality: You must use Deionized Water (DI Water). If using tap or mineral water, the existing ions will interfere with the gelation process.

Correct Preparation Steps:

1. Disperse Gellan Gum (Low Acyl) in DI Water at room temperature.
2. Heat the mixture to 85°C - 90°C, stirring constantly until the solution is completely clear and the gum is fully hydrated.
3. While the solution is still hot, add the Sodium Chloride.
4. Continue stirring and then allow it to cool down to room temperature. The gel will set as it cools.

Tips for "Jelly to Mist":

• Texture: Low Acyl Gellan Gum produces a firm and brittle gel. If you find the mist is not "misty" enough or the gel is too hard, try reducing the salt further.
• Synergy: For a more elastic and "cushiony" jelly texture that sprays beautifully, it is often recommended to blend Gellan Gum (Low Acyl) with Gellan Gum (High Acyl) in a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio, while keeping the total gum concentration around 0.1-0.2%. High Acyl provides softness, while Low Acyl provides the "break" needed for spraying.