These conditions reduce the ability of pectin to stay in a dispersed state. Upon cooling, the unstable dispersing of less hydrated pectin forms a gel, a continuous network of pectin holding the aqueous solution. The rate at which gel formation takes place is also affected by the degree of esterification. A higher DE causes more rapid setting. Rapid-set pectins which are pectin with a DE of above 72% also gel at lower soluble solids and higher levels than slow-set pectins which is pectin with a DE of 58-65%.