Optimization of pectin extraction from crab apple peel and usage in a model meat emulsion system

The aim of this study was to optimize conditions of microwave-assisted pectin extraction from crab apple peels using the Box–Behnken experimental design. For this purpose, microwave-assisted pectin extraction was performed at different extraction time (3, 6, and 9 min), liquid/solid ratio (75, 100, and 125), and pH (1.5, 2.0, 2.5). The optimum conditions were selected as extraction time (7.77 min), liquid/solid ratio (77.53 mL/g), and pH/1.79). The response, obtained under optimum conditions was determined as 0.1128 ± 0.0137 g pectin/g crab apple peel. In addition, it was determined that the obtained pectin sample had an esterification degree of 79.14% and oil and water binding capacities of 8.5 ± 0.7 g oil/g pectin and 8.1 ± 1.5 g water/g pectin, respectively. It was determined that pectin emulsions showed higher stability at 1% pectin level. The possibilities of using pectin obtained under optimized conditions as a fat replacer in a model sausage system were investigated. Pectin was evaluated in the model sausage system at two different concentrations. With the increasing pectin concentration, the cooking loss value increased from 14 to 18%, while leakage decreased from 0.31% to 0.18%, showing a negative effect on cooking loss and a positive impact on the amount of leakage into the packaging. Pectin obtained from crab apple peel has the potential to be used for reducing fat content in sausage environment.