Wibble Wobble Wibble Wobble Jelly on a Plate Quiz

Answer: Calf's foot jelly

This was made by extracting the substance gelatine from the foot of a calf, purifying it of course, and then mixing it with sugar and usually with fruit juice as well, before allowing it to set. It was considered a great treat for invalids especially, to aid them along the road to recovery. Today of course jelly can be either purchased ready made, or by purchasing boxes of various coloured jelly crystals and mixing these with a hot fluid, before allowing the mix to set.

Answer: Collagen

Collagen which is used in food products has been hydrolyzed by the molecules of water and this is a process which cannot be reversed. Collagen is found in tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bone and so forth, and is the most abundant of the proteins found in mammals.

Not only is it also used in make-up products, but medically it is used in cosmetic surgery and in other forms of surgery as well, including in the reconstruction of bone. How amazing is that!

Answer: Fish

The motivation behind this search for other sources of gelatine is religious consideration. Currently gelatine is derived, in the main, from pork, pork skin, cattle bones and cattle hide. However, in a substantial proportion of the world's religions, either pork or cow meat has been forbidden as a source of food for those who practise these religions, hence the need for an acceptable substitute.

Answer: It was used to harden home made paper

Gelatine was also used then, and now, as a thickener for home made jams and yoghurts and cream cheese products, to name just a few. Some other products which use gelatine today in their manufacture are lollies such as jelly babies, marshmallow, trifles and various desserts. It is also used in the clarification process of apple juice and vinegar products.

Answer: The antlers of deer

One sincerely hopes this is no longer the case. Indeed, gelatine was once named "hartshorn jelly" after the animal from which it was harvested. I should imagine that members of Bambi's fan club will be greatly distressed on learning that sad fact.

Answer: Fish

Isinglass is a substance that is harvested from the bladders of fish. I didn't even know fish had bladders to be honest, but how amazing is that fact? The bladder, once removed from the fish, is dried and processed. Isinglass used to be made almost entirely from the bladders of sturgeon, until one William Murdock, in 1795, invented a cheaper way of obtaining this product by using codfish instead.

Answer: To coat capsules for easier swallowing

Well, we've all had bother at one time or another in trying to swallow large capsules obtained from a pharmacist. The gelatine coating used to coat such gob-stoppers today, when slightly moistened with fluid or nervous dribble, enables these to slip down our throats far easier than once was the case.

A product known as Hypromellose can also be used to coat capsules for easier swallowing, but this is a lot more expensive than the humble gelatine.

Answer: To simulate the effects of bullets on muscle tissue

This is standard procedure apparently used for testing the effectiveness of ammunition from firearms. My eyeballs almost popped out of my head on reading this fact. It's known as ballistic gelatine and it simulates the density of human and animal flesh. Bless my soul, I'm almost turned off jelly for life here.

Answer: To hold their hairdos in place

Well, it wouldn't do for synchronised swimmers to emerge from being upside down in the water with their hair all wet and hanging over their faces, would it? Gelatine is use to hold the hairdos in place because it doesn't melt in cold water. Named after a brand of gelatine called Knox, the use of this product for their hair is known as "knoxing" by the swimmers.

Answer: Decreasing joint pains

How astonishing is the fact that this substance can reduce the size of stomach ulcers (burp - pardon me). Russian researchers say that the use of gelatine can reinforce the strength and resistance of the stomach's mucous lining to stress related acids. With nails and hair, it's been known for many years as a source of strengthening these two areas.

The human body itself produces the same sort of substances found in gelatine, but sometimes a little boost now and then doesn't hurt. Finally, in relation to the question, a study carried out at Bell State University in Indiana, has found that gelatine products relieve knee joint pain and so forth in athletes.

It should be stated however that this research was sponsored by a company that manufactures gelatine products. That doesn't however necessarily negate the findings of this research.