Rinse & rePeat
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- Mar 10, 2021
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“Pectin is an almost universal additive to commercially made jams and jellies. Even when homemade, this ingredient is commonly used to ensure a consistently gelled end result.
What many homemade jam and jelly enthusiasts don’t realize, however, is that pectin is not a desirable ingredient and should be avoided when an optimally healthy condiment is the goal.”
“First, pectin can be made from corn and that usually means genetically modified corn unless the product is certified organic.
Even “all-natural” fruit versions are typically GMO based as they contain dextrose and citric acid, both corn-derived products. For example, take a look at the ingredients of Sure-Jell, a popular brand used by home canners:
Sure-Jell Ingredients: Dextrose, citric acid, fruit pectin.”
“Low sugar pectins have the same problem as regular pectin in that they typically contain GMO ingredients. Here are the ingredients of low sugar Sure-Jell: (GMO corn) dextrose, fruit pectin, fumaric acid, sodium citrate.
While a low sugar brand like Pomona’s Universal Pectin uses only 100% citrus-derived ingredients, it, unfortunately, isn’t an organic product. Citrus trees are a highly sprayed crop with all manner of pesticides including a class of pesticides called cholinesterase inhibitors, known to be highly toxic to the nervous system. When citrus fruits arrive at the factory, the entire fruit is placed into the machines doing the processing – pesticides and all!”
What many homemade jam and jelly enthusiasts don’t realize, however, is that pectin is not a desirable ingredient and should be avoided when an optimally healthy condiment is the goal.”
“First, pectin can be made from corn and that usually means genetically modified corn unless the product is certified organic.
Even “all-natural” fruit versions are typically GMO based as they contain dextrose and citric acid, both corn-derived products. For example, take a look at the ingredients of Sure-Jell, a popular brand used by home canners:
Sure-Jell Ingredients: Dextrose, citric acid, fruit pectin.”
“Low sugar pectins have the same problem as regular pectin in that they typically contain GMO ingredients. Here are the ingredients of low sugar Sure-Jell: (GMO corn) dextrose, fruit pectin, fumaric acid, sodium citrate.
While a low sugar brand like Pomona’s Universal Pectin uses only 100% citrus-derived ingredients, it, unfortunately, isn’t an organic product. Citrus trees are a highly sprayed crop with all manner of pesticides including a class of pesticides called cholinesterase inhibitors, known to be highly toxic to the nervous system. When citrus fruits arrive at the factory, the entire fruit is placed into the machines doing the processing – pesticides and all!”
Why Store Pectin for Home Canning is Unhealthy (+ What to Use Instead)
Pectin is not always a healthy addition to homemade jellies and jams. Here's why to avoid this additive and what to use instead.
www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com