When choosing a fruit pectin, it is important to look for a vegan label. Some types of pectin contain msg and eggs. A vegan product will contain no artificial ingredients, as well as being free of nut or cornstarch. This product should also be egg, nut, and gluten-free.
Gelatin
Gelatin is a protein that comes from animal bones, hides, and skins. The protein binds with water and then congeals, allowing food to set. In the United States, most gelatin comes from pigskin, but it is also produced from cattle in Europe. A vegan alternative to gelatin is agar, which is made from seaweed.
It can be used in jams and preserves and as a stabilizer for frozen desserts. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry to bind ingredients in cosmetics. It is a popular ingredient in gelatin capsules, which are soft, water-soluble pills that contain liquid drugs.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a natural ingredient that thickens large amounts of liquid. It is used in custards, ice cream, soups, dips, and pies. However, it must be properly treated to work properly. Here are some tips for storing cornstarch for best results.
Flour is another popular thickener, but it is not nearly as effective as cornstarch. It produces a cloudy filling and has a wheaty flavor.
Recipes for Sure-Jell
If you’ve ever made homemade jams or preserves, you’ve likely used Sure-Jell Premium Fruit Pectin. As the original pectin in America, this product is a great food thickener and will help preserves set faster. With Sure-Jell, you’ll never have to worry about your favorite jam not setting. And because it’s shelf-stabilized, you can even make jams in less time than normal.
If you’re making jam with Sure-Jell, you can follow a few simple recipes to make your jam vegan-friendly. The Quick & Easy recipe calls for a package of Sure-Jell, two cups of sugar, and one quart of fruit–which yields six eight-ounce containers. For the Cooked Recipe, you’ll need a 3 quart container of fruit and four cups of sugar. Once you’ve finished cooking, you’re ready to use Sure-Jell for jam-making.
