US Patent 7338679 Gel compositions and utilization thereof

Novel gel compositions having a sarcocarp-like texture and taste (mouth feelings): and foods having a sarcocarp-like texture with the use the same. These novel gel compositions comprise pectin, a divalent metal ion and water optionally together with negatively charged gelling agent. The above-described pectin contains at least one member selected from among pectinic acid and its salts and forms heat-stable particles having a diameter of at least 100 μm in the presence of water, or particles having an average diameter of 10 to 5000 μm in the presence of water and calcium ion.