How to Test the Pectin Content of Fruit

Simmer the chosen fruit in a little water., Place one teaspoon of the juice into a small jar., Add 3 tablespoons of denatured alcohol or methylated spirits to the jar., Check the result., Know the pectin content of various fruits.

5 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Simmer the chosen fruit in a little water.

    Simmer until it turns soft.
  2. Step 2: Place one teaspoon of the juice into a small jar.

    Leave it to stand until it turns cold. , Gently shake it and put down.

    Leave to stand for one minute. , Look for the size of the jellied lump that will form in the jar.

    A large, firm clump will tell you that the fruit contains a high level of pectin.

    Two or three smaller, softer lumps indicate a medium level of pectin.

    Lots of little, soft lumps tell you that the fruit is low in pectin. , It is helpful to know which fruits tend to have high, medium, and low levels of pectin.

    This following list should help you to determine the pectin content of your fruit harvest:
    High level of pectin:
    Cooking apples, lemons, blackcurrants, quinces, and green gooseberries.

    Medium level of pectin:
    Plums, cooking cherries, passionfruit, rhubarb, boysenberries, blueberries, ripe gooseberries, and raspberries.

    Low level of pectin:
    Strawberries, peaches, blackberries, figs, guavas, melons, loquats, eating cherries, apricots, tomatoes, and tamarillos.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 tablespoons of denatured alcohol or methylated spirits to the jar.

  4. Step 4: Check the result.

  5. Step 5: Know the pectin content of various fruits.

Detailed Guide

Simmer until it turns soft.

Leave it to stand until it turns cold. , Gently shake it and put down.

Leave to stand for one minute. , Look for the size of the jellied lump that will form in the jar.

A large, firm clump will tell you that the fruit contains a high level of pectin.

Two or three smaller, softer lumps indicate a medium level of pectin.

Lots of little, soft lumps tell you that the fruit is low in pectin. , It is helpful to know which fruits tend to have high, medium, and low levels of pectin.

This following list should help you to determine the pectin content of your fruit harvest:
High level of pectin:
Cooking apples, lemons, blackcurrants, quinces, and green gooseberries.

Medium level of pectin:
Plums, cooking cherries, passionfruit, rhubarb, boysenberries, blueberries, ripe gooseberries, and raspberries.

Low level of pectin:
Strawberries, peaches, blackberries, figs, guavas, melons, loquats, eating cherries, apricots, tomatoes, and tamarillos.

About the Author

C

Carol Allen

Carol Allen specializes in lifestyle and practical guides and has been creating helpful content for over 2 years. Carol is committed to helping readers learn new skills and improve their lives.

45 articles
View all articles

Rate This Guide

--
Loading...
5
0
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: