Carrageenans are linear sulfated galactons (consisting of Dgalactose
and 3,6-anhydro-D-galactose units) extracted from red
seaweeds (Rhodophyceae class) (Campo et al., 2009). These hydrocolloids,
as well as their modifications, are widely used because
they allow the production of food with established rheological and
functional properties. The main fractions of carrageenans utilized
in food products are: kappa, which creates strong and rigid gels;
iota, which forms soft and elastic gels; and lambda, which is a nongelling
fraction used as thickener.