All carrageenan fractions are water soluble, being insoluble in organic solvents, oil or fats. However, their water solubility depends essentially on the levels of sulphate groups (very hydrophilic) and on their associated cations. The main ionizable cations found in carrageenans are sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, but other ions can also occur at lower frequency (Pardonche, 1985). Consequently, the proportion of sulphate fractions and the equilibrium of cations in the water solution determine the viscosity of solutions or strength of gels formed by carrageenans, representing the major characteristics explored by the food and pharmaceutical industries in the use of carrageenans as thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agents.