Food Additive | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Pectin

N/A (Polysaccharide) Allergen-Free
Pectin

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A (Derived from plants, but not a whole botanical item itself)
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round (as a processed product)
  • Source Citrus peel, apples

The Forktionary Angle

"Natural Gelling & Thickening Agent"

Definition

A natural gelling polysaccharide found in fruits, essential for setting jams, jellies, and providing texture to foods.

Sensory Profile

TasteNeutral, Slightly acidic
TexturePowdery (dry), Gelling (hydrated)
AromaFaint, Acidic
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Commercial Production (Annual)

~40,000 tons

Found in (High Concentration)

Apples, citrus peels, quinces

Optimal pH for Gelling

2.8 - 3.5

Nutrition Facts

Per 1.8 g (1 tsp)
Calories325 kcal
Total Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.5 g
Total Carbohydrate85 g
Dietary Fiber85 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium0 mg
Iron0 mg
Potassium0 mg

Chef’s Secret

To prevent clumping when adding pectin to hot liquids, first mix it thoroughly with a small amount of sugar or cold liquid.

Substitutions

Best Match

Agar-Agar

1:1 (powder); adjust based on desired firmness

Excellent vegan gelling agent, stronger set than pectin, requires boiling.

Cornstarch

2:1 (cornstarch to pectin)

Thickener, but provides a cloudy, less firm gel; not ideal for clear jellies.

Gelatin

1:1 (powder)

Animal-derived gelling agent, yields a clear, wobbly gel. Not vegan.

Chia Seeds

3:1 (chia seeds to pectin)

Creates a "chia jam" texture, less clear and firm than pectin; adds fiber.

Buying Guide

Choose between high-methoxyl (sugar-requiring) and low-methoxyl (sugar-free) pectin based on your recipe needs.

Flavor Pairings

Fruits (berries apples citrus) sugar acids (lemon juice) water.

Recipes Using Pectin

Banana Jam image 206
60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Low In Something 60 Minutes Or Less

Banana Jam

Transform ripe bananas into a luscious, homemade banana jam! This recipe, inspired by a family favorite, delivers a sweet and tangy spread perfect for toast, biscuits, or even ice cream. Learn how to easily make this delicious jam with simple ingredients and clear instructions – perfect for beginner and experienced jam-makers alike!

See Complete Recipe