What does pectin mean?
Pectin is a soluble polysaccharide naturally present in the cell walls of plants, especially fruit. Its ability to form a gel makes it valuable in making jams, jellies, and similar preserves, and extracted pectin can be added to foods that need to thicken or set. Pectin also functions as soluble dietary fibre. Its presence varies among fruits, with unripe fruit generally containing more than ripe fruit, so cooks may use added pectin to achieve a consistent result. The word has an unusual history: English borrowed it from French pectine, which comes from a Greek word associated with a comb. The modern chemical and culinary meanings therefore preserve a trace of an earlier general term for a comb-like or combed material.
nounA soluble, gel-forming polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants, especially fruit. It is used as a thickener and gelling agent in foods such as jams and jellies.
- A soluble, gel-forming polysaccharide found in plant cell walls, especially in fruit, and used as a food thickener and gelling agent.
"A little added pectin helps the jam set into a firm, glossy gel."
"A little added pectin helps the jam set into a firm, glossy gel."
"Pectin is released as the fruit is crushed and helps give the juice a slight viscosity."
The plural is uncommon in general usage but may be used to refer to different types or forms of pectin.
"Different pectins can produce noticeably different textures in a preserve."
The name reaches back to the Greek word for “comb,” a memorable clue to a substance that helps fruit preserves catch and hold their shape.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pectin come from?
The English word pectin was borrowed from French pectine. French pectine comes from Greek pēktēs, “comb,” related to Greek pektō, “to comb,” and ultimately to Latin pecten, “comb.” From this root also come related forms such as pectinate and pectination.
Related word forms
How pectin is actually used
This is primarily a technical, food-science, and biochemical term. It is normally used as an uncountable noun, although the plural pectins is used when referring to different forms or types.
Easily confused with pectin
Pectin is the noun naming the polysaccharide, while pectic is the adjective describing substances or properties related to it.