We often hear about the beneficial properties that pectin possesses . What is this, not everyone knows. To begin with, this is a bonding agent (polysaccharide), which is formed from galacturonic acid. It is found in many plant foods. These are fruits, vegetables, root crops and even algae.
Most often, its use is found in industries such as food and pharmaceutical industries. In the factory, pectin is produced from pomace left over from the processing of citrus fruits, apples, beets, and also sunflower. Confectioneries successfully use all the beneficial properties of this substance in their activities. It is indispensable in the manufacture of sweets (it is made of filling), marmalade, drinks containing natural juice, marshmallows and even ice cream.
So, we found out where pectin comes from and where. What it is is now clear. You can proceed to the study of its beneficial properties. According to many experts, pectin helps the human body get rid of various toxins. Carrying out his responsible work to remove toxins, he does no harm to us.
Pectin has a positive effect on improving the state of microflora and intestinal motility, lowering cholesterol, and has an anti-inflammatory effect in gastric ulcers.
Of course, you are probably interested in what products contain pectin. What it is and what benefits it brings, you already know. Foods ranked first in terms of pectin belong to the genus Citrus. This is lemon, and orange, and mandarin, or rather, their peels. Second place can be awarded to such famous fruits as apples. Then come the carrots, apricots, cherries and so on.
Well, here we come to the moment when the question arises: how to cook pectin at home? As mentioned above, many products contain it, but the most common of those used for self-cooking is an apple. Why this fruit? It is the most affordable among the rest and quite simple to process and prepare.
How to make pectin from apples, you will learn from the recipe below. First of all, you need to find out what we need for this. Here is a list of ingredients and utensils used for cooking:
- 1 kilogram of apples;
- 125 milliliters of water;
- knife;
- a pan having a thick bottom;
- a sieve (not metal).
The recipe is quite simple. Pure apples are cut into 8 parts, along with peel and seeds. Then the prepared fruit is placed in a pan and the right amount of water is poured. The resulting mixture is simmering for about 25 minutes with constant stirring. After the cooked apples have cooled, it is necessary to pour them into a sieve. The juice that will drain into the prepared container contains a large amount of pectin.
But in order to get pectin powder, you need to evaporate the excess liquid. To do this, the juice container is placed in the oven and heated until the water evaporates completely. The result of the above actions will be pectin - a dark powder. By consistency, it looks like powdered sugar. It is necessary to store the obtained product in tightly closed glass jars in a dry and cool place.
Now you know how to get pectin. What is it, you also know. Now this question will not baffle you, and the information received can be shared with friends.