Pectin concentration, Molecular Weight and Degree of Esterification : Influence on Volatile Composition and Sensory Characteristics of Strawberry Jam

Composition of headspace, consistency, taste and flavor characteristics were determined in jams made with different pectins. At usual concentrations, high methoxylated pectin induced an undesirable modification of typical flavor and intensity of flavor and taste, whereas low methoxylated pectin induced few alterations. At fixed concentration and molecular weight, a decrease in degree of esterification produced a significant decrease in consistency and noticeable modifications of the flavor perception and headspace composition, but no taste alteration. Mechanical reduction of pectin molecular weight significantly modified only the consistency.