Calcium water is a solution made by mixing monocalcium phosphate powder (a food-grade rock mineral source) with water. It is used specifically with Pomona's Pectin to activate the pectin and create a set for jams and jellies.
The pectin in Pomona's Pectin is activated by calcium, not sugar, which is why calcium water is required for the recipe. This type of pectin is different from the more common apple pectin, which uses sugar to set.
Here's how to make calcium water:
- Mix ½ teaspoon of calcium powder with ½ cup of water.
- Stir well until the powder dissolves. The mixture will be clear.
This solution can be stored for later use.
To create jams and jellies using Pomona's Pectin:
- You will use 1 ½ teaspoons of the calcium water solution per batch of pectin, as specified in the Pomona's Pectin instructions.
- This solution allows you to make low-sugar jams and jellies, as the calcium activates the pectin instead of relying on sugar to set.
Note: Calcium water is not a substitute for regular water; it is a specific ingredient used with Pomona's Pectin.
