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Pectins (Pectins, pectin, amidated pectin, pectin, E440)
Pectins or pectin substances are organic polysaccharides found in higher plants. In the accepted classification of food additives, Pectins are assigned the index E440. Pectins belong to the group of stabilizers, thickeners and emulsifiers.
In a humid atmosphere, pectins can absorb up to 20% of water. In excess of water, they dissolve. Unlike sugar, a particle of pectin powder, once in the water, sucks it up like a sponge, increasing in size several times, and only after reaching a certain size begins to dissolve (calorizator). If the particles of pectin powder are close to each other when they come into contact with water, then, sucking in water and swelling, they stick together, forming one large sticky lump that dissolves extremely slowly in water.
General Characteristics of Pectin
Pectins – a fine powdery substance of white, yellowish, gray or brown color, has no smell. The first description of Pectins was made by Henri Braconneau in 1825, but only a hundred years later the substance began to be produced on an industrial scale – from apple and citrus pomace, beet pulp. Other sources of Pectins are carrots, apricots, cherries, peppers, pumpkins, and some aquatic plants. On an industrial scale, pectin substances are obtained mainly from apple and citrus pomace, sugar beet pulp, sunflower baskets.
Pectins for industrial use, obtained from various plant sources, are odorless powders from light cream to brown color. Citrus pectins are usually lighter than apple pectins.
Benefits and harms of E440
Pectins in their pure form are absorbed in a minimal amount, act as natural enterosorbents, remove heavy metals and radioactive substances from the body, and reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. The useful properties of Pectins are not yet fully understood, scientific developments are constantly updated.
Along with the obvious benefits for the human body, Pectins can be harmful to health – they cause allergic reactions.
Application of E440
Pectins are used in the food industry as a gelling agent and thickener for the production of marmalades, jams, jams and confections, ready-made mixtures for gelling home preparations. E440 is also included in sweets, marshmallows, mayonnaise, some dairy products and ice cream.
Pectins are used in the production of medicines, cosmetics and cigars.
Use of E440
On the territory of our country, it is allowed to use E440 as a food additive-stabilizer, moisture-retaining agent, thickener and gel-forming agent without certain standards, since the substance is recognized as safe for human health.