What Is Pectin, and it’s Role in the Food & Beverage and Pharmaceutical Industries?
Pectin is a unique fiber found in fruits
and vegetables. People use pectin for high triglycerides, high cholesterol, and
to prevent colon and prostate cancer. It may also promote a healthy body
weight. It is usually found in the cell walls of fruits and vegetables and
binds together individual cells. It is usually extracted from citrus fruit,
sugar beets, apples, carrots, oranges, cherries, apricots, etc., and widely
used in cooking as a gelling agent in sweets, dessert fillings, jellies, jams,
etc. However, the major raw material used for the production of industrial
products are apples and dried citrus peel that is commercially available in
white and light brown powder.
Two main types of commercial pectin that
are available on the market are LM (low methoxyl) pectin and HM (high methoxyl)
pectin. Pectin has several applications in end-use industries, such as personal care,
pharmaceuticals, and food & beverages, etc. There are major benefits of
adding it to food and other products, such as increase shelf life, improves
color and texture, and reduces cooking time. It is mainly used in home cooking
and food production as a thickener. Furthermore, pectin is widely used in the
pharmaceutical industry for wound healing preparations and specialty medical
adhesives.
One of the world's most modern
production facilities for pectin is located in Malchin, Germany. The production
and storage grounds cover an area of around 10.7 hectares. In Japan, the
Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare have recognized it as safe under Japan's
Specifications and Standards for Food Additives. Moreover, Mexico is one of the
largest producers and exporters of pectin. Though pectin has several health
benefits, more research is needed to better understand how it affects health.
Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is a great way to increase pectin
intake.
Comments
Post a Comment