Spherification, a process discovered by Unilever but modernly applied by visionary chef Ferran Adria and his Michelin 3-star restaurant elBulli team in 2003, is the formation of a liquid into orb-like beads or spheres encapsulated in a gelled skin. These spheres, which look like little eggs or caviar, when bitten explode a liquid flavor in the tongue. Liquids that can be transformed into spheres include a choice of fruit and vegetable juices like melon or olive, dairy products like milk or yogurt, even alcohol.
The spherification process consists of two versions - direct and reverse.