Homemade Vitamin C Gummies - Help! They Turned Out Like Rubbery Jello
Hey all! I decided to make my own vitamin C gummies at home. I used gelatin and some ascorbic acid powder, but they came out super rubbery and chewy - almost like rubber bands! I followed a recipe online but it didn't specify bloom strength or anything. Anyone have tips for getting that perfect gummy texture? Also, how do I keep the vitamin C from degrading during heating? I'm worried I killed it.
Man, I've been there. The rubbery thing usually happens when you use too much gelatin or heat it too long. You want to use a lower bloom gelatin, like 200, and make sure to heat just until it dissolves, not boiling. I work nights so I need my vitamins to be reliable - I actually gave up on homemade and just buy the gummies now. But if you're set on DIY, maybe try agar instead? It sets differently and might be less rubbery.
OK but taste is everything! Rubbery is gross, but so is a gummy that tastes like chalk. I've found that adding a little bit of honey or a fruit puree (like strawberry) masks the vitamin C tang. Also, invest in some flavored gelatin or candy flavorings - that makes a huge difference. And for the texture, make sure you're blooming the gelatin in cold water first, then heating slowly. And let them set in the fridge, not on the counter. What did you use for sweetness?
Honestly, I just keep it simple. I use cold-pressed orange juice as the liquid, add the vitamin C powder, and a little honey. I skip the extra water and just use the juice. I also don't fuss with fancy molds - I just pour into a baking dish and cut squares. The key is to not overheat, and I use a digital thermometer to keep it around 60°C (140°F). That keeps the vitamin C stable. My batch came out decent - not perfect but works for me. Also, a tip: if it's too rubbery, you can gently reheat and add a bit more liquid to loosen it up.