Pectin: An Esteemed Plant-Derived Molecule in the Food Industry

This article provides a concise overview of the significance of pectin, a plant-derived molecule, in the food industry.

Pectin, a complex polysaccharide found in various fruits, has gained esteem for its versatile properties and wide-ranging applications in the food sector. This molecule serves as a crucial ingredient in food formulation, contributing to texture, stability, and viscosity in a variety of products such as jams, jellies, and desserts.

Additionally, pectin's role extends beyond its gelling properties, encompassing health benefits as a dietary fiber. As consumer demand for natural and plant-based ingredients rises, the exploration and utilization of pectin in food formulations continue to grow, making it an invaluable component in the modern food industry.

Keywrods: Plant carbohydrate, application in food, Health Pectin is a natural substance that is a major component of the primary cell walls of all land plants. Pectin is a complex Heteropolysaccharide including a backbone of -1,4galacturonic acids which are partially esterified at the carboxylic acid groups. The most common side chains sugars are xylose, galactose and arabinose. Pectin is abundant in the middle lamella of the cell wall where it acts as a binding substance for plant cell walls.

Traditionally, Pectin is obtained from citrus peels by acidified water, which leads to the destruction and the change of its structure and natural properties. Pectin is also known as a multifunctional and versatile hydrocolloid, often extracted from citrus Peels and Apple pomace. It is widely used to provide gelation, viscosity as well as stability in number of food products, particularly, fruitbased applications. Furthermore, pectin from some specific sources including sugar beet and okara, have been shown to possess good emulsifying property. It also exhibits potential anti-inflammatory effects. Pectin is used to texture food, as a gelling agent, thickener or stabilizer.