When making some jelly last week, I noticed the packet said it wouldn’t set if pineapple, kiwi or papaya were added to it. We decided to find out why pineapple stops jelly setting.
What you need
- Jelly cubes
- Fresh pineapple
- Tinned pineapple
- Any other fruits you wish to test
- Small bowls
Instructions
- Make the jelly up as per the instructions.
- Divide into several small bowls.
- Add a different fruit to each bowl.
- Leave one just as jelly – this is our control
Results
We found only the jelly containing the fresh pineapple did not set. In one bowl I had just two small pieces of pineapple, this was enough to stop it setting.
The science part
Jelly contains gelatine which partially consists of protein molecules. It sets because the protein molecules tangle up as they cool down trapping the water to make a solid. Fresh fruits such a pineapple, kiwi and papaya contain enzymes which break down these protein molecules, making them smaller, so they can’t tangle up, which stops the jelly setting. This is similar to how the enzymes in your stomach break down food.
The tinned pineapple jelly set because as part of the tinning process the pineapple has been heated to destroy bacteria. This process has also destroyed the enzymes ( they are denatured ).
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What another fab experiment – I knew about Kiwi but didn’t know others not setting jelly – I really like with the tinned pineapple and the denatured enzymes – wouldn’t this be great to do with GCSE Science students in the enzyme work
Thanks Cerys! xx
How cool! I never knew that. What a great experiment to do with your kids.
Thanks. x
What a cool experiment! My kids would love this!!!
Let us know how you get on if you do it! x
Great idea! Thanks for sharing it on this week’s Kids Co-Op Weekly!
Thanks x
Oh I love that I have learnt something again!
I’ve always wondered about that…thanks for sharing this experiment with us at Sharing Saturday.
I have learned something new too about the tinned fruit!