Abstract: A method for the production of a pectin preparation wherein fruit pectin having a metal binding power of 30 to 140 g of metal salt is dissolved with a phosphate to produce a solution having a pH between 4.4 to 4.8 and wherein the soluble metal salt is added to the solution in a stoichiometric amount of 30 to 140 g calculated as calcium chloride per kg of pectin and then precipitating the pectin from the solution. The preparation thus prepared has good solubility in cold and warm water and forms a low viscosity solution which is easy to work with. The nature of the preparation as well as gelling agents prepared therefrom are disclosed.