Pectin Sources: Where to Find This Natural Fiber

Pectin refers to a soluble fiber found naturally in most plants. Apples, cranberries, plums, grapefruits, lemons and oranges contain high levels of pectin. Strawberries, cherries and blueberries contain low levels of pectin. In nature, pectin helps hold cell walls together.

Sources

• Pectin exists in whole fruits, but it can also be obtained in powdered or liquid form. Look for pectin in the baking goods aisle of your grocery store or in the vitamins and supplement section.

Considerations

• Fruits have the highest pectin levels while they are just ripe, since pectin degrades to pectic acid as fruit becomes overripe. Cooking fruit that is not yet ripe also increases pectin levels, according to the University of Minnesota.

Uses

• Cooks use pectin to help jams, jellies and conserves form the proper consistency, especially when using fruits naturally low in pectin, such as strawberries. Some people also take pectin as a dietary supplement to treat diarrhea, high cholesterol or cancer, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.