1. What Is Citrus Pectin?
Citrus pectin is a natural, water-soluble dietary fiber extracted from the peel, pulp, and white inner layer (albedo) of citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit. It is a complex polysaccharide found in plant cell walls, especially abundant in citrus peels.
2. Chemical Nature of Citrus Pectin
Type: Heteropolysaccharide
Main structure: Rich in galacturonic acid units (α-1,4-linked)
Side chains: May contain arabinose, galactose, rhamnose
Degree of esterification (DE):
- High-methoxyl pectin (HM): DE > 50%
- Low-methoxyl pectin (LM): DE < 50%
DE affects gelling behavior and applications.
3. Sources of Citrus Pectin
Primarily from citrus fruits:
- Orange peel (most common)
- Lemon peel
- Lime peel
- Grapefruit peel
Citrus pectin is preferred over apple pectin because citrus peel is abundant and has a more consistent composition.
4. Physical Properties of Citrus Pectin
Appearance: Light yellow to off-white powder
Solubility: Soluble in hot water; forms viscous solutions
Stability: Stable at low pH; sensitive to long heating or high pH
Functionality: Gelling, thickening, stabilizing, emulsifying
5. Types of Citrus Pectin
(1) Conventional Citrus Pectin
- Used mainly in food products
- Strong gelling properties
(2) Low-Methoxyl Pectin
- Gels in presence of calcium instead of sugar
- Suitable for low-sugar or sugar-free formulations
(3) Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP)
- Processed into smaller molecules for absorption
- Studied for potential health benefits (e.g., detoxification, immune support)
6. Applications of Citrus Pectin
Food Industry
- Jam and jelly production
- Fruit beverages
- Dairy products
- Bakery fillings
- Meat products (moisture retention)
- Stabilizer in sauces and dressings
Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical
- Dietary fiber supplements
- Controlled-release drug formulations
- Modified citrus pectin for health support
Cosmetics
- Thickener in lotions and creams
- Film-forming agent
Industrial Uses
- Paper production
- Textile printing paste
- Biodegradable films
7. Safety
- Considered Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by FDA
- Usually well tolerated
- Excessive intake may cause mild digestive symptoms due to high fiber content