Pectin has a positive perception among consumers all over the world:
- Gelling, stabilising and thickening properties;
- Natural;
- Prebiotic (pectin is a food fibre).
Pectin, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, is extracted mainly from citrus and apple peels. Maximum yield occurs prior to ripening.
Commercial pectins are usually classified by their degree of methylation as:
- High Methoxyl (HM) Pectin (with a DE >50%);
- Low Methoxyl (LM) Pectin (a DE of <50%).
| Product name | Degree of methylation (%) | Applications | Packaging | Shelf life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citrus LMA (Low methoxyl amidated) pectin | 20 – 25 | • Yoghurt fruit preparation • Low sugar jams and jellies • Short shelf life dairy products | 25 kg cardboard boxes with food grade blue polyethylene liner. Alternatively 25 kg paper sacks with inner food grade blue polyethylene liner. | 24 months |
| Citrus LMA pectin, less reactive to calcium | 27 – 32 | • Yoghurt fruit preparation • Jams and jellies | 25 kg cardboard boxes with food grade blue polyethylene liner. Alternatively 25 kg paper sacks with inner food grade blue polyethylene liner. | 24 months |
| Citrus LM conventional pectin | 29 – 33 | • Low sugar organic jams | 25 kg cardboard boxes with food grade blue polyethylene liner. Alternatively 25 kg paper sacks with inner food grade blue polyethylene liner. | 18 months |
| Citrus LM conventional pectin | 37 -41 | • Organic jams • Yoghurt | 25 kg cardboard boxes with food grade blue polyethylene liner. Alternatively 25 kg paper sacks with inner food grade blue polyethylene liner. | 24 months |
| Citrus HM pectin | 64 – 67 | • Fruit beverages | 25 kg cardboard boxes with food grade blue polyethylene liner. Alternatively 25 kg paper sacks with inner food grade blue polyethylene liner. | 18 months |
| Citrus HM pectin | 64 – 67 | • Confectionery products | 25 kg cardboard boxes with food grade blue polyethylene liner. Alternatively 25 kg paper sacks with inner food grade blue polyethylene liner. | 18 months |
| Citrus HM pectin | 58 – 62 | • Jams and marmelades • Pectin jellies | Polylined paper bags of 25 kg | 24 months |
| Citrus HM pectin | 62 – 65 | • Jams and marmelades • Pectin jellies | Polylined paper bags of 25 kg | 24 months |