Patent Number: 6143337
Docket Number: 18798
Serial Number: 9302962
Date Patented: 11/07/2000

Technology Description: ARS scientists have developed a method for extracting pectin from citrus fruits using microwave technology. This technology uses microwaves to heat fruit peels and acidified water in pressure-resistant containers. Using this method, pectin can be extracted in 10 minutes. Less energy is used, and the pectin is a higher quality than when extracted using conventional heating. Industry uses conventional heating to extract pectin from fruit peels. It can take more than an hour to process a batch of fruit peels. Overheating can reduce pectin quality by breaking it down. Pectin is a natural ingredient mostly present in the pulp, peel and albedo--the white material between the outer peel and fruit sections--of citrus fruits. Pectin is also found in apples and sugar beets. It is used as a gelling agent in jelly foods and as a texturizer in premixed yogurt to give it a smooth texture and pleasant mouth feel. Pectin is an imported high-value product that costs about $6 to $8 a pound. Cutting the extraction time could reduce this cost significantly and open the door for domestic pectin production for the first time in decades. Reference: Please refer to Patent Number 6,143,337, "Flash Extraction of Pectin by Microwave Heating Under Pressure," which issued on November 7, 2000. Inventors: Marshall L. Fishman Plant Science and Technology Research Wyndmoor, PA 19038-8598 (215) 233-6450 / Fax: (215) 233-6406 mfishman@arserrc.gov  Hoa K. Chau (Same as first inventor) (215) 233-6636 / Fax: (215) 233-6406 rchau@arserrc.gov