The Struggle:
We get the question all the time, is there a way to make pectin gummies that are set into individual molds? And I won’t lie, for a long time I thought it was nearly impossible to do without very expensive, very specialized equipment. Then about two weeks ago I had an idea. What if there’s a way to introduce acid after the process? Through a very simple process we were able to find a way to make pectin gummy set into individual molds that anyone can do.
Pectin requires a large amount of sugar, water, and acid, without one of these three ingredients the mixture will not set. Most recipes that do not use boxed pectin still require that the acid be added to the mixture towards the end of the process. This reaction turns the mixture from fluid to solid within 1-2 minutes. All of these factors make pectin gummies nearly impossible to place into individual molds.
“What’s the secret to setting pectin gummies into individual molds?”
Spray It, Don’t Say It.
The technique for setting pectin gummies into individual molds is surprisingly simple, but unintuitive given conventional recipes. The cooking of the pectin gummies remains the same – sugar, water, color and flavoring are heated to 240°F. Citric acid is mixed with water to make an acidic solution, we prefer a 3:1 ratio of water to citric acid. The acidic solution can then be sprayed directly into the molds using a spritz bottle. As long as the interior of the molds has a good coating this should work. If you are looking for something a bit more precise you can use a dropper to add anywhere from 1 ml to 3 ml of the solution to the mold, depending on the size of the gummies.
Since the pectin requires acid to gel, the heated pectin mixture will not set until it is introduced to the acidic solution. You can easily deposit all of the gummies into the molds without fear of them setting prematurely. Once the mixture has been added to the molds you can spray the top with more of the acidic solution. This will help speed up the gelling process. After about two hours the gummies can be removed from the molds and placed on a rack to dry at room temperature. Spray them with another round of the acidic solution before drying. Over time the acid will slowly penetrate through the entire gummy and set it. After about 12 hours the gummy’s can be dusted with sugar or dried further depending on the desired appearance.
This happens to be an extremely easy fix to a frustrating issue faced by many gummy makers. The next time you want to make a gummy that is pectin based, you can use this method to help you set them into individual molds.
For our delectable pectin gummy recipe click here. Until next time, keep cooking!