Structural and gelling properties of very low methoxyl pectin produced by an alkali-treatment

Abstract

Very low methoxyl pectin (VLMP) has different physical and rheological properties compared to high and low methoxyl pectins (HMP and LMP). In this study, we produced LMP and VLMP by alkaline de-esterification, and investigated the structural and textural properties. Apple peel pectin was kept at pH 12 using 5.0M NaOH solution for 3 and 24 h to produce LMP and VLMP, respectively. The molecular weight was decreased due to the removal of an esterified group in the pectin backbones by the alkali treatment, and the VLMP showed a higher calcium ion sensitivity which leads to the production of the gel with increased hardness. The result clearly showed that VLMP has the potential to improve the texture and stability in food products depending on their degree of esterification, and this result can be applied as a functional ingredient in food industrial area application to enhance the current commercial pectins.