A rapid method for quantitative determination of pectic substances

A rapid and quantitative method has been developed to determine the amount of soluble and insoluble pectins. The method does not require extraction or purification, even plant homogenates may be used, and it can be applied to pectins of various origin. The determination of pectic substances by previous methods can be performed only on pectins in solution. The present rapid method is based on the titration of de-esterified pectins after acid precipitation. The speed and simplicity also makes this quantitative method highly useful for the determination of pectins during food processing.