pectinesterase
/ˌpɛktɪˈnɛstəreɪz/
noun
- An enzyme found in plants and some microorganisms that helps break down pectin, often used in food processing to clarify juices or modify fruit textures.
- Fruit naturally contains pectinesterase, which can cause jam to become runny if not deactivated.
- Food scientists use pectinesterase to soften fruit pieces for baby food.
- Pectinesterase is added to apple juice to make it clearer by breaking down pectin.