Have you ever wondered what pectin is and why it’s commonly used in artisan jams? Worthy dives into this topic and discovers other benefits.
Pectin Who?
Have you ever wondered what makes the consistency of jam and pie thicker? Well, thanks to pectin, we don’t have runny jam and pie. Pectin is primarily used in food production and home cooking as a natural thickener.
Pectin is a polysaccharide starch that is found in the cell walls of fruit and vegetables (Masterclass). Although pectin has the same properties as gelatin, it’s derived from plants instead of animals. There are many different kinds of pectin, which we will explore further.
The Different Kinds of Pectin
Many different fruits and vegetables contain pectin. The most popular sources of pectin are apples and citrus (oranges, grapefruits, lemon, limes), but carrots, apricots, plums, blackberries, and cherries contain pectin as well.
We use a natural citrus pectin powder that is added to the jam kettles. We use citrus because it's said to be easier for the human body to digest.
Even More Benefits of Pectin!
Not only does pectin help make jams thicker and pies plumper, but it also is known to have many health benefits. The health benefits of pectin include improved blood sugar and blood fat levels, decreases risk for colon cancer, promotes a healthy weight, and helps with gastrointestinal issues (Healthline).
Did you know pectin supplements can be found in health food stores? Apple pectin is known to improve digestive health and prevent gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders (Very Well Health). It must be true what they say… maybe an apple a day does keep the doctor away!
And there you have it! Pectin is an important part of making our small-batch jams, and as it turns out, there are many health benefits of using it!
Worthy Jams is a uniquely flavoured jam and salsa company dedicated to creating distinctive flavour profiles with pure ingredients that are vegan, and gluten-free with no additives. Our one-of-a-kind flavours include Strawberry Cardamom, Vanilla Rhubarb, and Earl Grey Lavender Peach, which will have you experiencing true jams Worthy of your palate! If you want to take your cooking to the next level, place your order today on our website.