Pektiinityyppejä

Pektiinityyppejä refers to the different types of pectin found in nature and used in various applications, primarily in the food industry. Pectin is a complex polysaccharide that acts as a gelling agent, thickener, and stabilizer. Its structure and properties vary depending on its source, processing, and chemical modifications.

The main classification of pectin is based on its degree of esterification (DE). High-methoxyl (HM) pectin has a DE of 50% or higher, meaning more than half of its carboxyl groups are esterified with methanol. HM pectin requires a high concentration of sugar and acid to gel effectively. This type of pectin is commonly found in fruits like apples and citrus peels.

Low-methoxyl (LM) pectin has a DE of less than 50%. LM pectin gels in the presence of divalent cations, such as calcium ions, and does not require high sugar concentrations. This makes LM pectin suitable for sugar-free or low-sugar products. LM pectin can be further divided into conventional LM pectin and amidated LM pectin. Amidated LM pectin is produced by reacting LM pectin with ammonia, which converts some of the remaining carboxyl groups into amide groups. This modification enhances its gelling properties and allows for a wider range of applications.

The source of pectin also influences its type. For instance, apple pectin and citrus pectin are the most common commercial sources. While both are primarily HM pectins, their specific structures and gelling characteristics can differ, leading to variations in their performance in different food systems. Understanding these pektiinityyppejä is crucial for food scientists and manufacturers to achieve desired textures and stability in their products.