RETURN TO BATCH 3

After a 2 month break, we returned to our successful flavour emulsion (oils+water mix) from September with the intention of making cola syrup. However it was apparant that the mixture, then a cloudy emulsion, had by now definitively separated into 1 white supercloudy layer and 1 more lucidly clear layer.

Shaking the storage jar seemed to restore a cloudy emulsion of milky consistency. We added water to a sample and no trace of oil was evident, so it looked like the emulsion is still good. However after mixing up the syrup, we found a distinct whitish layer visible on the surface. Questions to run by our scientists: if we reapplied the force (mixer) would the oils+water re-emulsify? should we be treating it as a separated emulsion, and just use the clear layer? what is the whitish element composed of - gum arabic? is it an indication of a weak emulsion giving way over time? or is it a sign that the gum we are using is surplus to requirement?

Meanwhile we tested the current batch for distribution mode, ie. means of mixing for postal distribution, where mailing large quantities of sugar & water would be expensive/redundant.

Due to the problems with our emulsion from the outset, the syrup produced still had traces of white sediment on the surface, but the 2 mixtures (A+B) seemed relatively stable for future shipability. We resolved to try again with a new batch on the weekend.

TO DO: get highspeed handblender from Argos; try 2% vodka inclusion in the pre-emulsion as suggested at the Stokesley High Street consultation.