Jell-O, Fruits, and Enzymes
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Chemistry Expert
- Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on May 08, 2019
If you add certain fruits to Jell-O or other gelatin desserts, the gelatin won't set up. Here's a look at which fruits have this effect and what happens that causes them to ruin Jell-O.
Key Takeaways: Fruits That Ruin Gelatin
- Some fresh fruits prevent Jell-O and other types of gelatin from gelling.
- These are fruits that contain high levels of proteases. Proteases are enzymes that break chemical bonds in proteins, such as collagen in gelatin.
- Pineapple, kiwi, papaya, mango, and guava are examples of fruits that cause a problem.
- Heat inactivates proteases, so cooking fruit before adding it to gelatin prevents any issue. Canned fruit has been heated, so it is also acceptable for use in gelatin desserts.
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Fruits That Ruin Jell-O
The fruits that ruin Jell-O contain enyzmes called proteases which break the chemical bonds that try to form between chains of protein as Jell-O or other gelatin tries to gel.
- pineapple - bromelain
- kiwi - actinidin
- figs - ficain
- papaya - papain
- pawpaw - papain
- mango
- guava
- ginger root
Only Fresh Fruit Causes a Problem
You may have had Jell-O that contained pineapple or another of the fruits on the list. This is because the enzymes in the fruit only disrupt the gelling process if the fruits are fresh or frozen. If the fruit is heated (e.g., canning or cooking) then the enzymes are permanently inactivated, making the fruit perfectly fine for making Jell-O.
Jell-O's versatility enabled it to be used in a wide variety ofold fashioned recipes you won't believe people actually ate.
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Your Citation
Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Fruits That Ruin Jell-O and Other Gelatin Desserts." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/fruits-that-ruin-jell-o-607399.Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2023, April 5). Fruits That Ruin Jell-O and Other Gelatin Desserts. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/fruits-that-ruin-jell-o-607399Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Fruits That Ruin Jell-O and Other Gelatin Desserts." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/fruits-that-ruin-jell-o-607399 (accessed June 15, 2024).
