How to Extract Pectin From Citrus
Pectin is a substance extracted from fruit such as citrus that acts as a solidifier and preservative for canned food such as jams and jellies. Pectin can be purchased in powdered form in most grocery stores or made from scratch using the white peels of citrus fruit.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- 1/2 lb. citrus peels, white portion
- Food processor
- Medium mixing bowl
- Mixing spoon
- 4 tbs. lemon juice
- 1 1/4 pints water
- Medium pot
- 2 jelly bags
- Air-tight storage containers
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-
1
Cut off the orange parts from the citrus peels and finely chop up the white part of the peels in a food processor.
-
2
Weigh the chopped peels on a scale to verify that you have exactly half a pound.
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3
Add the lemon juice to the peels and set the mixture aside for one hour. Add the water to the mixture and set it aside for another hour.
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4
Place the mixture into the medium pot and set on the stove. Bring the mixture to a boil and allow to boil gently for 10 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat. Cover and allow the pot to cool.
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5
Place the mixture into a jelly bag over the medium mixing bowl and allow the liquid to drain. Squeeze the bag to remove all access liquid. Re-strain through another clean jelly bag and store in air-tight containers.
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1
Tips & Warnings
After making the pectin, be sure to test it by placing a teaspoon into a cup of denatured alcohol. If the pectin forms a clot, then it is ready to be used in recipes.
