Spherification

There are two types of spherification, both of which use the same texturizers, Algizoon and Calazoon.  The traditional method involves the dripping of a solution of Algizoon and water into a solution of Calazoon and water.  When sodium alginate comes in contact with calcium, a gel forms.  The reaction is instant, so when a drop of Algizoon solution is dropped into the Calazoon bath, the drop gels and a small pearl is formed.  The traditional method gels from the outside in, so the reaction continues even when the pearl is removed from the solution. 

The opposite of this, referred to as reverse encapsulation, involves dropping a Calazoon rich solution into an Algizoon bath.  This method gels from the inside out, causing a thin shell with a liquid center that stays liquid indefinitely.  In this method, the Calazoon solution may need to be thickened with Xanthazoon for a proper sphere to form. 

There are situations when traditional spherification is not possible.  If there is a high level of acidity or calcium, the traditional method will not work.  The reverse method is more tolerant of acidic solutions.