Pectin is a carbohydrate substance derived mainly from citrus fruits, apples, and some berries. When combined with acid and sugar, pectin forms a gel, making it an essential ingredient in the production of jams, jellies, and certain desserts. Pectin’s gelling ability allows for the transformation of liquid fruit preparations into a spreadable consistency. Apart from its culinary uses, pectin is also used in certain medical and industrial applications due to its gelling properties.
Nutritional Information (per 100g):
- Calories: 162 kcal
- Protein: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 38.7g
- Sugars: 1g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Fiber: 34.4g
- Sodium: 168mg
- Potassium: 45mg
(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on the brand and specific processing methods.)
Ingredients:
- Extracted pectin from fruits (commonly from citrus peels or apple pomace)
How to Use: In cooking: Mix pectin powder with sugar and add to fruit preparations to make jams, jellies, or other gel-based foods.
Recipe Idea – Strawberry Jam with Pectin: Ingredients:
- 4 cups crushed strawberries
- 7 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 package (about 2 tbsp) fruit pectin powder
Instructions:
- Prepare jars and lids for canning.
- In a large pot, mix crushed strawberries with sugar, ensuring they’re thoroughly combined.
- Place the pot on high heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
- Quickly add the pectin powder and lemon juice, continuing to stir.
- Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil for one minute, continuing to stir constantly.
- Remove from heat, skim off any foam, and fill jars, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace.
- Place lids on jars and process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes.
- Let the jars cool, ensuring the lids seal as they do. Store in a cool, dark place.
Diets it fits into:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
Note: Always verify the specific product label and recipes to ensure alignment with dietary needs. Additionally, some pectins are modified to work without acid or sugar, so always refer to the specific pectin product’s instructions for best results.
