Ever wondered the secret behind the gel-like texture of jams and jellies? Well, if you are preparing to smear jelly on your bread or biscuit, you might as well know that the not-so-secret ingredient contributing to the thickness of jellies and jams is none other than the versatile ingredient pectin. Now, a lot of hearsay about this ingredient may leave you confused. So, let us explore how this versatile ingredient revs up cooking and your health as well.
When you prepare recipes that mention the use of versatile ingredient pectin, you need to know its usage and all that it does to the item you prepare. So, if you are wondering how to use pectin, you will notice that commercially-prepared jams and jellies also have pectin in them. Read the label carefully to discover that pectin is the natural thickener widely used.
This versatile ingredient comes in handy when you prepare jams and jellies, lending them the thickness and transforming them into a spread-like form. Apart from this, adding pectin to jams also boosts the yield. So, the next time you prepare homemade jam, understand pectin uses to maximize its potential as an additive:
Are you keen on exploring more recipes with this versatile ingredient pectin? Mastering the art of cooking with pectin may boost your yield, and who knows—you might just become a small-scale entrepreneur specializing in selling homemade jams and jellies!
What other thing makes pectin a superior ingredient besides its potential to function as a thickener? Basically, it is a polysaccharide or soluble fiber that is abundantly present in fruits and helps in binding substances within the intestine, which in turn helps add bulk to the stools. It also reduces cholesterol absorption from the food that people eat. With that said, let us invade into pectin health benefits and why people can supplement with it:
Studies indicate that pectin has the potential to kill cancer cells inside the colon. Besides, this fiber ingredient lessens damage to cells and reduces inflammation, which may boost the formation of cancer cells. Wondering how it helps reduce the risk of cancer? It binds with and stops the absorption of galectin-3 levels that is often related to cancer development in the colon.
Does pectin improve digestive health? Yes it does and it is due to its ability to gel and bind easily. The soluble fibers present in the digestive tract can turn into gel due to the presence of water and makes the stool soft. That way the stool exits from the tract speedily and prevents the chance of constipation.
Besides, this dietary fiber is a Prebiotic feeding the healthy bacteria present inside the gut. Some studies also reveal that pectin may help improve gastrointestinal symptoms. However, some people may be allergic to it and having it in excess may cause bloating.
We all strive to get a perfect body weight even though we may not achieve what we want. It is believed that increased intake of fiber helps reduce weight and provides relief from obesity issues. Most fiber foods are low in calories than refined food, so adding pectin in your diet won’t make you overweight.
For many people, blood sugar regulation is a major issue. No matter how much they look for ways to stabilize their glucose levels, they often find themselves on tenterhooks, constantly worried about fluctuating blood sugar.
However, research has shown that versatile ingredient pectin plays a significant role in blood sugar management. Pectin is a natural soluble fiber found in fruits like apples, citrus, and berries, and it helps slow down the absorption of sugars in the digestive tract. As a result, incorporating pectin-rich foods or supplements into the diet can be a valuable strategy for those seeking to improve their blood sugar control.
Wondering how to add pectin to your diet? You cannot swear by preserves, so the best way is to consume fruit-based pectin, which is also high in fiber content. Fortunately, if you love eating fruits and vegetables, you can get your share of this versatile ingredient pectin, and boost your health. Are you ready to increase pectin intake in your diet? Remember that fruit-based pectin is more beneficial for health. However, if you cannot have too many fruits, get your hands on Fruit Pectin from Cape Crystal Brands with low methoxy for modern gastronomy. Use this versatile ingredient as a natural thickener in homemade preserves and swear by its goodness.
The best sources of pectin are apple and citrus fruits like oranges, apricots, lemons, and peaches.
Liquid pectin can be added to a mixture of sugar and cooked fruit once it is removed from heat. Powdered pectin is usually added to crush fruit that is not heated. You can follow the manufacturer’s instructions for pectin recipes.
Edmund McCormick is the founder of Cape Crystal Brands and EnvironMolds LLC. He is the author of several non-fiction “How-to” books, past publisher of the ArtMolds Journal Magazine, editor of Beginner's Guide to Hydrocolloids, and author of six eBook recipe books available for download on this site. He resides in Far Hill, NJ and lives and breathes his food blogs as both writer and editor. You can follow him on Twitter and Linkedin.