- Gelatin is a colorless unflavored solidifying protein extracted from collagen contained in animal bone and skin. It adds substance to food and cosmetics. Other gelling agents are derived from non-animal sources such as pectin (from fruit) and agar (from seaweed). According to Big Site of Amazing Facts, gelatin was used before the turn of the century to prepare jellies and aspics as a method to bind, glaze and preserve savory food. The process to prepare gelatin was extensive and laborious to extract and filter collagen from bones and skin. According to Kraft Foods, Charles Knox developed the word's first pre-granulated gelatin. His wife, Rose Knox, developed recipes to promote the versatile use of this product.
- Granulated gelatin eliminated the need for cooks to extract collagen and focus on recipes. This convenient product also opened the doors for women to explore recipes using gelatin. While gelatin is generally associated with sweet dishes, its neutral properties are useful in preparing savory appetizers and meals. Gelatin can be added to thicken liquids such as broths and juices without reacting with the flavors of the ingredients. The menu application of Knox Unflavored Gelatin is described as "a base for molded salads, glazes for ham or turkey and as an ingredient in all types of cream desserts." Furthermore, "Knox Unflavored Gelatin is a good low calorie base for special diet dishes" and "dishes prepared with Knox Unflavored Gelatin will have uniform setting and excellent holding qualities."
- The nutrition facts for Knox Unflavored Gelatin show no specific nutritional values because it is highly purified and doesn't interfere with the taste of the dish. Specifically, it is fat-free, cholesterol-free, with no carbohydrates or fiber. It is not a source of vitamins A or C, nor does it contain calcium or iron. One envelope of unflavored gelatin contains approximately five grams of protein to contribute 25 calories to a dish.
- Preparing dishes using Knox Unflavored Gelatin can enhance the texture of foods and provide versatility in customizing recipes according to dietary needs. While popular gelatin recipes are typically desserts. molded gelatin salads can be prepared to show creativity with molded container selection and a combination of fresh ingredients that are naturally sweet and tart. Traditional family recipes such as eggs in aspic, jellies and chutneys can be prepared with unflavored gelatin. Packaged formulations for gelatin provide kid-friendly flavors such as strawberry, lime and lemon that can be prepared simply by adding water (flavoring and sugar are already added).
- Knox unflavored gelatin contains minimal protein. This product provides cooks with flexibility in preparing controlling ingredients such as sweeteners for low-calorie and low-carbohydrate diets. While gelatin contains protein, it does not contain amino acids or vitamins and if used as a primary component of a diet (such as in high protein liquid diets), dieters should remember that it provides no nutritional value. Furthermore, most unflavored gelatins are derived from animal products, an important consideration for vegans and vegetarians.
