Pectin - Viscosity and gelation

4 important questions on Pectin - Viscosity and gelation

Which properties influence the applicability of pectins?

  • Molecular weight
  • Degree of methylation
  • Distribution of methyl groups
  • Amidation
  • Solubility

Which region in pectins is most important for the gelling properties? And why?

The HG (homogalacturonan) region.
  • pH 2-3 --> carboxyl groups become neutral
  • pH 7 --> carboxyl groups have negative charge --> more repulsion --> higher viscosities

What kind of gels can pectin make, and what is it dependent on?


  • LM pectin --> gel with calcium. Calcium ions are positive, carboxyl groups are negative. 2 pectin strands from 'egg-box' model with calcium bridges
  • HM pectin --> sugar-acid gel. Hygroscopic (absorbs water) sugar added, which brings the pectin chains closer together. Lowering pH, carboxyl groups are neutral. Less repulsion, so 3D network is formed.
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What is the difference between amidated LM pectin and LM pectin in the formation of a gel?

Amidated LM-pectin gels at lower pectin concentration and less calcium than for LM-pectin.
  • above pH 3.5 --> spreadable --> similar to LM-pectin
  • below pH 3.5 --> semi-firm --> similar to HM-pectin


Amidated LM pectin sometimes used in dairy products as LM pectins gel too quickly or too strong.

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