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Why did my agar set so loose?
I mixed 12g agar agar powder, 2g guar gum to reduce weeping, 1 packet grape koolaid powder, and about 1/2 tsp stevia into 4 cups water + 2T lemon juice. As far as I know, this ratio should be plenty to get a really firm gel from the agar. I heated it all up in a pot until it came to a boil, took it off heat, poured into containers and left in the fridge for a few hours til cold. What I ended up with is not the firm gel I was expecting. Instead, it's just kind of a goopy slop that doesn't hold a cut, can't keep its shape, and is just wayyy looser than I thought it should be. I'm wondering what went wrong and if anyone can identify something I messed up. Is the acid from the lemon and koolaid ruining it? Does guar gum interfere rather than synergize with the agar? Does agar powder lose its ability to gel if its too old, even if it was still in a sealed pouch? Do I need to keep it at a boil for an extended period of time? submitted by /u/ElectricalScholar433
